THE annual Berwick Show proved yet again to be a popular outing for families despite the threat of rain.
Saturday morning's light drizzle didn't keep crowds at bay, with larger numbers of people flocking to the show in the afternoon.
Show secretary Mike Vallence said the event had been "absolutely splendid".
He said that while exact crowd figures were not yet available, it had been an above average attendance.
The show offered plenty of fun for all ages and interests - from animal judging and demonstrations to fairground attractions, show bags and rides.
In the animal pavilion, angora mohair goats were judged with a full fleece, then sheared in front of the crowd and the body of the animal and the fleece judged separately.
A shearer and long-time Berwick Show exhibitor from Healesville said the event was a favourite with young children who could see the goat before and after shearing.
The animal nursery was also a favourite with children, as was entertainment from Channel 10's Rock It team.
They followed popular acts from local dance academy Sub Urban Dance Centre, who joined many others on the Beaconsfield Timber and Hardware stage across the weekend.
Arts and crafts exhibitions drew plenty of interest from the crowds, and featured a display by the Melbourne Meccano Club.
Graham Jost, of Bentleigh, and fellow members created a number of working pieces including motorbikes, a three-headed dragon and an 8-spool plaiting machine.
Mr Jost said the spool machine took him about 1 years to build.
The Berwick Show Schools Art Exhibition provided local students with the opportunity to display their artistic talents. First prize overall was awarded to Hillsmeade Primary School in Narre Warren South.
Judges' choice went to Upper Beaconsfield Kindergarten, first prize for primary schools was taken out by Beaconsfield Upper Primary School and StMichael's won the secondary schools first prize.
With a focus on the traditional elements of an agricultural show, the Port Phillip Historical Machinery Society displayed its working model train, steam engine driven machinery and generators, which attracted many onlookers.
And there was furry good fun for all at the working dog display where handler Bill Goldsack worked the dogs with Indian Runner ducks and sheep.
He also wowed the crowds by getting six of the working dogs to sit inside a wheelbarrow.
With limited horse events in this year's program, cattle took centre stage and spectators enjoyed the judging of the best breeds.
Mr Vallence said there were a record number of entrants in the cattle competition, which was "great to see".
In the Beef Interbreed competition, the best male under 20 months was awarded to Mawarra Terminator, owned by the Sykes family.
The best female under 20 months was won by the Spencer family with their heifer Spry's The Diva.
The Spencer family also won awards for best group of three cattle, best pair of beef females, best beef male, best beef female and supreme beef exhibit.
Around the main arena, local Scouting groups set up agility courses, there was a rock climbing wall, dog breed judging and displays from local emergency services crews including Beaconsfield CFA and the Victoria Police.
A mechanical bull had the crowds enthralled.
There were also displays of highland dancing, dog show jumping, hot rods and classic cars plus the well-attended beaut utes competition.
Children enjoyed pony rides, the snake handler display, gumboot throwing and, of course, on Sunday, a visit from Humphrey B Bear was a highlight.
Sampson, the 'monster' attraction at this year's show, proved his worth with hundreds of people lining the main arena for a glimpse of the car-crushing machine.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing, with the freestyle motocross riders having to postpone their jumps because of strong winds.
Mr Vallence said that rather than disappoint the crowd, the riders moved the ramps to a safer jumping width and took to the air with limited tricks.
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