Organisers were still counting numbers yesterday, but indications were when gate takings were added to free entry for up to 16-year-olds, member attendance and other tickets, the total would likely be a record.
People were coming and going from 10am. The three shows by Hard Core FMX extreme motocross performers proved a big attraction, jumping a gap of about 23m and reaching heights of more than 10m.
For the first time, the show also hosted the regional A&P rock band competition, another event aimed at attracting more young people.
But also this year there was a huge selection of displays, stalls and sideshows, with a country-fair atmosphere.
A ''ladies-only'' tent was doing a good trade with free bubbly, but some men were dragged in to look at what was on offer.
With about 200 troops in South Canterbury for the Southern Katipo military exercise, the show benefited from big exhibitions by a mixture of troops, including from New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
They had camouflage netting set over military transports, mine detectors, machineguns, grenade launchers and plenty of other equipment, mainly attracting both big and small boys.
Another popular attraction for younger children was the world animal tent where children could pat alpacas, puppies, dogs, goats, rabbits and other animals.
Entries were up in some sections and classes, and down in others, but overall were similar to entries in previous years. Show jumping had increased.
The championship dog show, again held for the first time as part of the show, was not just a crowd pleaser but managed to attract more than 300 entries.
