"It's a great day, a great day,'' and "Look at Ferrari go!'' were just some of the comments heard yesterday at the opening of the 62nd Agricultural Exhibition.

Ferrari, a Jack Russell Terrier, stole the show as part of the Superdogs feature presentation, as he relentlessly hung onto a leash with his jaw, while being held aloft by his owner.

The Superdogs troupe travels about North America barking up a storm, jumping over obstacles and being general crowd pleasers in addition to their usual lives of household pets.

Even Governor Thorold Masefield and Premier Jennifer Smith, sitting ringside, joined with the crowd in shouting "higher'' as Wolf, a Barozi, jumped 64 inches to break his world record.

Mr. Masefield, opened the day's festivities at the Botanical Gardens, saying he was pleased to see the abundance of flowers and fruit on display.

Mr. Masefield added: "It is, I believe, very appropriate that today is Earth Day. The Agricultural Exhibition is Bermudian's tribute to the earth and all that we do with its fruits.

"It is a thrilling show. It is my pleasure to open this year's Agricultural Show.'' Billed as the "World's Most Popular Dogs'' the Superdogs wowed the centre ring with their high flying jumps and high speed chases.

Started 20 years ago by Canadian emcee Herb Williams, the group includes Americans and has entertained more than 1.5 million people.

The dog's owners include a heart specialist and a graphic artist. Mr. Williams is a retired advertising executive.

Next month, they will open their "Broadway'' show, Hollywoof 2000, in Toronto.

The dogs will be performing again at 2 p.m. today and at 1.30 p.m. tomorrow in the centre ring.

The Agricultural Exhibition began in 1843 at the prompting of then-Governor Reid.

It became an annual event in 1955, and is a tribute to Bermuda's agricultural heritage.

Hundreds of young people took advantage of the clear weather to sample hot dogs -- although not the Superdog kind -- cotton candy, and iced drinks, as they looked at dozens of animals including piglets and kids.

Wadson's Farm of Southampton provided several pieces of farm equipment for children to climb over, while a short distance away the Bermuda Boot Scooters a Country and Western line dance group performed on stage.

Eight-year-old Tucker Franks said he spent the day working in the Young Life stall serving drinks and snowballs in between catching events around the gardens.

Tucker, from Pembroke, said he would get to see more of the show today when he will be with a friend more than in the stall.

Angelo Pitcher, of St. George's wasn't quite sure what he found most enjoyable yesterday when asked by a Royal Gazette reporter.

The 10-year-old took a long look at a rapidly disappearing ball of turquoise cotton candy before answering: "The kites!'' Angelo said he entered his own "Roundie'' kite and of the Superdogs liked the Doberman Pinscher.

PLP backbencher Rev. Wilbur Lowe said he enjoyed the family atmosphere as he toured the grounds with his wife Hope and youngest child Jonathan.

"This is more personal than the State Fairs in the US,'' he said. "The animals are all beautiful and healthy. It's a beautiful day. Everything is great.''