"I’ll be glad to get the animals home and put my feet up, because it has been a lot of work to get it all organised," society president Bridget Lowry said.
"But it’s really paid off. We had a fantastic variety and a great crowd, and the feedback’s been really positive.
"We’re really grateful to the whole team ... all the exhibitors and the whole community for their support."
Showers did not dampen attendance for show goers, who were eager to get back to the biggest community event of the year, which was slashed to an exhibitor-only event last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The traditional livestock breed categories were augmented by the southernmost alpaca show in New Zealand.
Equine events took place concurrently with bushcraft wood-chopping displays and the show queen contest, whose overall winner was Lilly Paterson.
Trade displays were shoulder to shoulder with offerings of the latest farm equipment and vehicles, and a selection of classic rides and sideshows gave families plenty of rare treats to try.
The sound of bagpipers and a brass band created a festive atmosphere, while the air was perfumed with the aroma of fresh coffee, frying dough nuts and handmade cotton candy.
"I’ve been following shows and festival events around Otago for ten years," Dunedin traditional candy-floss maker Alexander Ringland-Stewart said.
"And you couldn’t beat the enthusiasm among the kids and grown-up-kids I’ve seen here in Balclutha today."
