The Upper Clutha’s 86th annual show was never under threat of not happening, despite 23mm of rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday forcing a temporary halt to set up to minimise damage to the turf.
There was no need to pull on the gumboots or whip out the umbrellas, as the temperature soared to a steamy 21degC.
"The first day has just turned it on," show board chairwoman Brenda King said.
"Central Otago has given us another beautiful sunny Wanaka day. There were crowds here early, lining up to get in the gate. We have got record trade sites here that are offering so many different options for people to just explore and shop and just have a great day out."
Wanaka has faced a long dry spell — the last decent rainfall was 33mm on 21-22 February and about 4mm for the whole of January.
There were no concerns it would rain on Wanaka’s show, Mrs King said.
Temperatures are forecast by the MetService to dip to a tolerable 11degC overnight, before building up to balmy 24degC by this afternoon.
Equestrian events got under way early on Thursday and continued yesterday. More horse events are scheduled for today.
Dog trials began yesterday and the home industry and fleece pavilions opened.
Today’s events include the popular pet parade at 11am, followed by the manic Jack Russell Race at 12.30pm and the Grand Parade at 12.45pm.
The dog trial final is at 1.30pm.
