About 10,000 people were expected at Albion Park Showground over the weekend but Saturday gate takings were $10,000 shy of expectations.

Show society president Glenn McParland said the downturn could impact on the programming for next year’s event because organisers would have less money to work with.

‘‘We’re down about $10,000 on the gate – that’s pretty much our profit for the show,’’ he said.

‘‘The heat wave might have kept some people away, but I think it’s tough times financially. 

‘‘A lot of people have lost jobs, things are so much dearer. 

‘‘It’s not just the [cost of a] ticket; it’s $10 a ride and the food’s so dear.’’ 

Mr McParland said it was too early to comment on planning for next years’ Albion Park Agricultural Show – the 127th – but said this year’s ticket sales would unlikely cause organisers to reconsider the event offerings. 

‘‘You’ve got to spend money to make money; it’s only one year so it won’t stop us,’’ he said. 

The event was a hit with thousands of visitors and brought a 10-year record in pavilion entries.

The most popular portion of the event – Saturday night – gave rise to some of the best hits ever witnessed at the demolition derby and a fireworks display that went off with a bang, and an exemption from recent fire bans.