There were better than 100 trade exhibits and stalls, more than in previous years, although some farm machinery companies had reduced space as they had machinery and equipment still at the southern field days site.
The car park was full for show day on Saturday by 11.30am and additional parking was opened on the east side of the grounds.
Show president Shirley Hayes estimated there would have been more than 7000 people at the show during the day, better than previous years.
"Mud, grass, sunshine and beautifully turned out animals bringing town and country together," she observed.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said it was the biggest crowd he had seen at a show in the past decade.
Entertainment was boosted by the Aorangi regional finals for the young farmer of the year, along with Teen Ag (secondary school pupils) and AgriKids (primary school) teams. A popular free bus running around Oamaru picked up and dropped off show visitors. The service was a trial for the 150th show next year, already being planned by a special committee.
On Friday, rain gave way to a clear warm evening, with a good crowd going to the show carnival, entertained by singer John McCabe and events such as Scottish games and NZ Idol-Celebrity fancy dress.
The inaugural Mr North Otago Show competition attracted 18 hopefuls. Cameron Rowlands won the overall title.
Jared Fox took Mr Personality.
The Master Show (4 to 9-year-olds) went to Micah Hayes.
Nicole Curtis was Junior Show Princess and Tyeisha Bungard Miss Tiny Tots.
