Windy weather failed to slow the opening day of the 76th Agricultural Exhibition.

Hundreds of spectators gathered at the Botanical Gardens to take part in the event, tasting the food from the various stalls, enjoying performances and looking at the numerous entries ranging from baked goods to aquariums.

Formally opening the event yesterday, Premier Craig Cannonier said he was impressed by the quality of the displays, calling the show an opportunity to show what Bermudians can do when they come together. Public Works Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, meanwhile, urged attendees to take advantage of all the exhibition offers.

Their opening was followed by a performance of visiting trampolinists, The French Connection, who combined acrobatics and slapstick comedy in a performance in the main ring.

Nine-year-old Jakia Simmons said that her favourite part of the exhibition so far had been the piglets — followed closely by the cotton candy.

Flanked by classmates, she said: “I’m looking forward to the magic show and the trampoline. Last year our class grew herbs for a contest, but I didn’t win anything. I was thinking of baking some cookies this year, but we didn’t in the end.”

Douglas Scott, who is visiting the Island from Charleston, South Carolina, said he was pointed to the Agricultural Exhibition by a taxi driver.

“We do the same sort of thing back home,” he said. “It’s a bit like déjà vu. The sights and the smells and everything. All I need to do is find a barbecue pit and it’ll be my childhood all over again.”

And Alyson Trott, who said she had been coming to the event since she was a child, said the social element was the highlight.

“I think the best part of the show is getting to see people you haven’t seen in years, having a hot dog, and just taking in the sights,” she said. “I’ve only been here for about ten minutes and I’ve already seen four people I haven’t seen since I was a kid.”