The Botanical Gardens was packed with preschoolers and families yesterday the first day of the 72nd Annual Exhibition.

The lower ring area was almost completely covered and the stands at the main ring filled, but many persons who attended admitted security concerns played on their minds.

Metal detectors and metal gates ushered visitors into the Botanical Gardens setting after a series of recent shootings.

Kimwandae Walker was shot dead on the Victor Scott Primary School playing field over Easter weekend, and two others were injured in a separate event.

The Annual Exhibition was officially opened by Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney.

"The theme this year is a sustainable Bermuda and builds on last year's 400th anniversary celebrations how we can sustain our island the next 400 years?

"There are several displays this year on the sustainable development theme and I encourage you to learn more about the ways in which the Government and the non-governmental groups are helping to build a safe environment, as well as social and economic future for all Bermuda residents."

He continued: "It is a wonderful that the Annual Exhibition provides a showcase for our hobbies and cultural institutions that assist in keeping our traditions alive. One of those traditions is our food and I hope you will visit the food stalls run by local charities, which helps support their endeavours in sustaining our community."

According to the Annual Exhibition programme, the event was to have been opened by Acting Premier Paula Cox.

She later explained her absence she hadn't actually been invited to attend.

"It was an inadvertent, honest oversight," she said. "It is just too bad that people waited in vain for me based on seeing my name listed on the programme when my office was never contacted.

"Besides, I was not the star attraction. In fact I am attending tomorrow to see the real stars the racing pigs!"

Governor Sir Richard Gozney arrived 15 minutes late for the opening.

Also in attendance were Minister of Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield and PLP MP Dame Jennifer Smith.

Minister Butterfield said she was not concerned about the security. "It's an exciting time for family. It's these times that we share annually. I have no concerns because I believe the Police do the best they can."

Following Minister Blakeney's speech, United Dance Production dancers performed to John Mayer's 'Waiting on the World to Change'; Marvin Ford sang 'You Raise Me Up'. Both seemed to reference the general sense of increased security needed at the event.

A nursery schoolteacher who brought her class to the Exhibition said she felt safe, but security had definitely been an issue.

"I came here today because I thought there wouldn't be a lot of people. We had a couple of parents express concern and one who decided to keep them home today. I feel fairly safe or I wouldn't be here."

There were food stalls offering cotton candy happily consumed by children. An event highlight was Robinson's Racing pigs which attracted more than 100 visitors.

Jefferey Stewart and Davina Rawlins visited the Jack King Building, which houses the poultry, rabbits and pigeons, with three-year-old son, DaQaio.

Said DaQaio: "I like the pigs and the horses."

Ms Rawlins added: "I like it every year. The pigs and the goats and watching the racing pigs. I feel safe. I see a lot of Police officers and security guards."

Horse riding was also on show yesterday. The Western Pleasure Portions awarded the top prize to Jonelle Smith on Sir Gallahad.

Ms Smith, who was beaming after her success, said it was part of a friendly competition with her friend Jenny West who placed fourth.

"It was a friendly competition because we haven't ridden since we were little girls together.

"And we have not competed together since we were teenagers."

Hannah Jedrysiak, 12, has only been riding in the Western Style for the last eight months. Yesterday was the first time in a competition, but she won second place.

She said: "It was exciting. I was a bit nervous. To see lots more pictures visit Spotted on the Rock. Go to www.theroyalgazette.com and see the Spotted on the Rock on the left hand column.