"We are thankful to the Almighty that the rain has held off and the sun is shining,'' the Minister of the Environment told an opening day crowd at the 60th edition of the Agricultural Exhibition.

No doubt the armies of volunteers, performers, and the few thousand souls who packed the grounds of the Botanical Gardens agreed.

By mid-day the crowd of kids, locals, and visitors who had defied steady winds, scudding clouds, and the threat of rain were basking under sunny skies.

The Flying Danish Superkids set the carnival mood early, thrilling a large crowd gathered around the entertainment ring with a display of frenetic tumbling, vaulting, and somersaults sprinkled with a touch of theatre, rhythmic acrobatics and ballet -- all accompanied by classical and popular music.

It marks the first time the gymnastics troupe from Aarhus, Denmark, has appeared in Bermuda. Throughout their 30-year history the Superkids -- ranging in age from six to 19 -- have appeared in Europe, Africa, and North America.

"I've been to about 36 countries, but I've never been to a country where I've seen people talk so much to each other. They're extremely friendly here,'' founder Uwe Godberson told The Royal Gazette .

Superkids will be offering two performances today and tomorrow, at 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., and a one-hour gala at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the main show ring.

Equally popular was the return of Robinson's Racing Pigs -- the annual running of the porkers.

Back after a seven-year absence, Robinson's -- out of Tampa Bay, Florida -- features four two-month-old Yorkshire-cross piglets in an all-out race around a small oval track; it's quick and it's over in the blink of an eye but it always seems to draw a good crowd, road manager John (Cap) Capobianco said.

Bermuda marks the opening of a long season for the two-man, four-pig crew.

They'll be on the exhibition circuit travelling North America until late November, said Mr. Capobianco.

In addition to the myriad of food concessions, crowds packed animal petting zoos, exhibitions of flora and fauna, and took in the judging of equestrian events.

His Excellency the Governor, Lord Waddington, together with Lady Waddington, entered the main show ring in a horse-drawn carriage promptly at 1 p.m. to formally open the Exhibition. Keeping his remarks brief, the Governor simply declared the show "well and truly open''.

"This is when I really miss being the Minister of the Environment,'' Premier Pamela Gordon told The Royal Gazette . Still she admitted, there were a few perks to being just Premier.

"I have three days to walk around and visit; it's fabulous. At least I'll be able to enjoy what is being offered.'' Nothing it seemed, could cloud the smiles of opening day. A petition calling on Government to reinstate ousted veterinarian trainee Dr. Susann Smith -- widely expected to be in evidence -- was nowhere to be seen.

"I haven't seen it,'' Director of Agriculture John Barnes said.

More photos next page Photos by David Skinner FLIPPIN' OUT! -- Members of Denmark's Flying Superkids (above and above right) yesterday thrilled a large crowd with a display of frenetic acrobats, tumbling, and vaulting.

FORGE ON -- Blacksmith Heidi Mello of All Round Shoeing demonstrates the lost art of horseshoeing. PREMIER EVENT -- Above, the Governor, Lord Waddington, Premier Pamela Gordon, and Lady Waddington were on hand for opening ceremonies at the 60th Agricultural Exhibition while (right) an anonymous pig takes a break from the children's petting zoo, and (left) Major Barrett Dill and the Bermuda Regiment Band open the festivities at the Botanical Gardens.

All photos by David Skinner