Video by Jeremy Bannister, edited by Lachlan BenceBALLARAT show organisers have described the city’s show day public holiday as a “must” after the annual event recorded its best-ever Friday attendance.In April this year, Ballarat City Council declared a public holiday for the show, in lieu of Melbourne Cup day.Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society director Gerard Ballinger said the success of the Friday holiday was now obvious for all to see.“We had the best Friday attendance on record and the best overall attendance for the last 10 to 15 years,” he said.“We really want to hit home that the public holiday is a must — we want it and we need it.“Let the numbers talk.”Mr Ballinger said it was fortunate the 20,000 strong crowd enjoyed near-perfect weather for the three-day event.“The highlight was certainly the weather,” he said.“It’s been a long time since we’ve had no rain for all three days — it was a nice change.”Mr Ballinger said the horse section of the show also enjoyed record entries, with many competitors coming from interstate and all over Victoria. Addressing some concerns over ticketing prices, listed this year as $15 for adults and $7 for children, Mr Ballinger said there was plenty of value for every member of the family.“We decided to put on the Dirty Pumper Free Style Motocross show — now in Melbourne you would pay $50 per person just for that show,” he said.“We have memberships available for $50 which guarantees two adults and three children entry for all three days, so I’d say that’s pretty good value.”Memberships are currently available for the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society. For information, visit www.ballaratshow.org.auFollow @JordanHOliver