Thousands of people flocked to Bermuda's 63rd Agricultural Show at the weekend making it one of the most successful yet, despite the wet start.

Although the attendance figures were down on Thursday's opening day due to the heavy rain, bumper crowds turned out on Friday and Saturday.

More than 18,000 people eventually showed up for the exhibition at the Botanical Gardens, which was organised by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

There was the usual cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits and other animals and birds on show, along with crafts and baking displays.

The number of entries in the woodwork category was down again this year, but the display area for the kite section was packed to the limit.

Kevin Monkman, assistant director of the department, said all in all, the show was a huge success.

He said: "It went really well considering the weather on Thursday and the poor start we had.

"The rain did put a dampener on things to begin with, but the weather on Friday and Saturday was wonderful so it really brought the crowds out. On Friday we got one of the largest crowds we have ever had, so it all balanced out.

"The entries we had in the show this year were particularly good and the quality was to a very high standard. I know the judges we got in from overseas were very impressed with the quality.

"It was a great all-round show.'' To entertain the crowds, there was acrobat groups and a dive show, to name but a few of the acts. But this year, something new to the three-day exhibition was a costume parade for children, which saw more than 100 youngsters dressed up in colourful and outlandish outfits based on the environment going on a procession around the gardens.

One of the most popular displays was the vegetable shapes made by children, designed in the form of caricatures and critters. And there were also relay races, involving a horse and rider, cyclist on a bike, and dog with his handler, to keep visitors happy.

Mr. Monkman added: "There was something for everyone. We had all ages involved, which was really nice.

"I think a lot of money was raised for different charities as well, through the various food booths that we had.

"It was a shame that the number of pieces in the woodwork section was down.

That seems to have been declining over the years, but it is something we are going to look at next year to get people more involved.

"I think part of the problem is that the schools' GCSE exam requirements have changed so we don't get as many woodwork entries from the schools now.

"But, hopefully, that can be looked at.'' Just champion: Melinda DeCosta came first in the dressage competition.

Getting the goat: David Burrows, left, and brother Ryan with Orio, their pet goat which came away with four trophies including best goat.