Despite a worrying weather forecast, the clouds parted and the sun shone on the Wellington Show on Saturday.
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With gates opening at 6am, the horse ring number 4 event kicked off the big day in a chilly and damp fashion.
Because of the weather the previous day, the 8.30am shearing competition was cancelled, but the horse ring 1-5 competitions went ahead in the Wellington Showgrounds Centre Arena.
Other exterior factors caused the cancellations of other forms of entertainment.
Speaking on Saturday, Wellington Show Society president Rob Dimmick said the committee was aiming to have around 3,000 people walk through gates for this years’ show.
“We obviously had quite a foreboding weather forecast working against us, but luckily the sun came out and things have started to run smoothly – busy, but smoothly,” Mr Dimmick said.
On Tuesday that crowds were slightly behind the last few years, but didn’t offer any official attendance numbers.
“Considering the weather risks and horses numbers being down, it’s not surprising but it’s a bit disappointing.
“It turned out to be a really nice day, so we were very fortunate.
“We weren’t sure whether we would be able to, but the weather allowed us to end with our traditional fireworks. Everyone was happy about that,” Mr Dimmick said.
He added that the Show Society received lots of positive feedback from attendees, and the NSW Yard Dog Association heaped praise on the facilities.
“We had lots of positive comments about how professionally the state Yard Dog Trials were conducted, so I’m really happy about that.”
The Show was officially opened at 11am in the grandstand overlooking the racecourse.
During the opening ceremony, several presentations were made;
Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Joyce Williams delivered the Welcome to Country, NSW Yard Dog Association president Nevell King spoke about the importance of Wellington's bicentenary this year, and the Tiny Tots, Junior Showpersons, Teenage Showgirl and Wellington Showgirl were awarded.
The 2017 Tiny Tots winners were Ryan Finn and Pippa Horton. The 2017 Junior Showpersons were Hugh Gain and Millie Jones.
Meg Smith was named as the 2017 Teenage Showgirl, with Hannah Brien as the runner-up.
Geena Purcell was named as the 2017 Wellington Showgirl, with Emily Rath coming in as the runner-up.
