Rain, what rain?
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That appeared to be the mantra of thousands of people who braved soggy, overcast Illawarra skies to attend the Kiama Show on Friday and Saturday.
Show-goers were treated to several show traditions including cattle and horse competitions, woodchipping, a rodeo and the ever-popular end-of-show fireworks, as well as a jam-packed entertainment schedule featuring stunt cars, aerobatics and a fiery circus performance.
Kiama Show Society publicity officer Karen Beasley admitted the inclement weather dampened attendance, especially on Friday.
‘‘We did have high hopes for the numbers on Friday, but unfortunately the weather was our biggest disappointment,’’ she said.
‘‘It looked like it was going to be perfect but then the storm came across at about 5pm, so the numbers were down that evening.’’
Mrs Beasley said Saturday’s figures were also a little lower than last year, but improved on those from the previous day.
But she said one of the weekend’s big positives was the results of a survey by the organising committee that showed more than 50 per cent of people interviewed were first-timers to the show.
‘‘We also found out plenty of people were coming down from Sydney to enjoy the day and see the animals,’’ she said.
One of the show’s most popular features was the textiles and food pavilion, which welcomed a steady stream of visitors on both days.
Mrs Beasley believed the interest in the pavilion items indicated the crafty arts of knitting, crocheting, and needle work were not lost to the world of technology.
‘‘The appeal of these arts isn’t being lost,’’ she said.
‘‘We had a young girl who was only 12 years old enter the bob and lace section.
‘‘I think people are looking for those things they can do and get reward from seeing what they’ve achieved.’’