Ideas from members of the public could help to shape the Agricultural Show in the next few years, one of the organisers said at the weekend.

Jeff Sousa, a spokesman for the event, predicted that after its successful 80th anniversary, the show would only get “bigger and better”.

He said: “There’s no place that you truly see the mosaic that makes up Bermuda more than the Ag Show, in my opinion.

“It’s part of the fabric that makes this beautiful island.”

Before the event closed and visitor numbers were totalled on Saturday, he said the committee was “very pleased” with the turnout but attendance did not appear to be the “record crowds” of last year.

Mr Sousa said: “What’s so nice about a community event like this — and people know the principles involved — I received in the last few days, let alone in the last few years, so many ideas from the general public.

“This is truly Bermuda’s community event so we will put these things to the board and see if we can get them implemented.”

He added: “Bermuda has changed over the 43 years since I was entering. You had so many vegetables, so many flowers — that’s starting to be rekindled.

“The poultry barn has been packed all day because it’s right in the middle of the show and it’s very popular. People are amazed to see how many different types of chickens and ducks there are. And the pigs have always been a fan favourite.”

Mr Sousa thanked all the corporate sponsors and credited insurance firm Axis Capital and HSBC for helping to ensure entry was free for children and seniors.

He said the international attraction The Canine Stars dog stunt show from the US was a “huge draw” that delighted visitors of all ages.

Sharon Smith, 53, watched the performance with her twin sister Karen Smith, who was with her 11-year-old son, Dakari Zuill-Smith. She said the dog act added variety to the traditional event.

Ms Smith, from Warwick, said: “It was terrific, I liked when they were competing in the racing and also the dancing.

“I love dogs, I’m a dog lover.”

Erica Minors, 35, from Sandys, said it had been several years since she attended the Ag Show but hoped her one-year-old son, Caiden, would enjoy it. She said: “We’re out today because of him, he loves animals and it’s some Bermuda culture.”

Her husband, Darrin, 42, added: “We were all raised up on coming to the exhibition so this keeps the tradition alive, we bring the little one and get him introduced to it.

“It has been a great atmosphere and you run into friends you don’t tend to see regularly. They’re with their children and it becomes a big family outing.”

Hugh and Sheelah Hassell, from Sandys, also found themselves meeting people they had not seen for a while.

Mrs Hassell, 76, said she looked forward to seeing the roses and vegetables on display.

Her 80-year-old husband said: “The animals are looking good, so are the flowers and the fruit.

“It’s a lovely atmosphere, everybody seems to be talking friendly to each other.”