Show a real scream for patrons

Cold winds and patches of rain could not keep keen Hawke's Bay Show patrons away from the attractions yesterday.

The last day of the much-anticipated annual event drew strong crowds who braved the elements to enjoy their day off and kick-start the long weekend.

Hawke's Bay A & P Society general manager Brent Linn said the final day was "fairly turbulent" weather-wise.

"We had some mixed weather during the day, there was quite a cool breeze at times, but we are really pleased with the people who came out. It was a really solid turnout."

Mr Linn said the rodeo, equestrian, wood chopping and dog handling were popular spectacles, as well as the rides and live entertainment.

"Between 1pm and 2pm the place was just shoulder-to-shoulder down there and fortunately the wind was down enough to get The Turbo Blast going, and that's the one that gets them screaming," he said.

Full competition results will not be known until Tuesday, but Mr Linn confirmed Maurice Beatson, of Dannevirke, and his horse My Gollywog took out the first round of the World Cup series.

"The new ring, the president's ring, worked really well down at the equestrian," Mr Linn said.

A confirmation of visitor numbers would also not be known until the middle of next week, but the pre-show estimate of 50,000 attendees might not have been reached due to the weather over the three days.