HIGH temperatures couldn't keep crowds away from this year's Ballarat Show.
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Although final figures are still being calculated, organisers have declared the 148th annual show another success.
Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society director Gerard Ballinger said Friday was the third highest attendance since 2000.
"Saturday the numbers were down a bit, maybe it was a bit to do with the weather, but it was a big Sunday," Mr Ballinger said.
Sunscreen was the must-have accessory of the weekend as temperatures hit a top of 28 degrees on Friday and a very warm 32 degrees on Saturday.
"We couldn't have asked for better weather, the only thing that was against us was the wind," he said.
Mr Ballinger said the youth pavilion was a big winner this year for families with free activities a talking point among show-goers.
"The whole pavilion was buzzing," he said.
New rides, showbags, animals and a full program of competitions held over the three-day weekend kept crowds amused.
"We were thrilled with the number of dogs in the dog jumping competition, that was a pleasant surprise," Mr Ballinger said.
"And it was superb to see the horses and riders, they are a traditional part of the Show so it is nice seeing them in the Show again."
Despite an early firework display, Mr Ballinger said it was again a showstopper for families who stayed on to watch.
"We managed to squeeze in the fireworks before the rain, the whole thing could have been cancelled because you can't use fireworks in heavy rain," he said.
"Some people were disappointed, but we're only talking seven minutes."
Mr Ballinger said crowds behaved well throughout the three-day event and thanked police and volunteers for their time.
"When you're dealing with 15,000-20,000 people there are bound for things to go wrong but there were no fights," he said.
"Judging from everyone it was very relaxed."
With crowds still down on the record numbers of 2013, Mr Ballinger said organisers were excited for the 150th celebrations of the Ballarat Show in two years' time, which is expected to be the Show's biggest event since it began in 1866.
"It wasn't a huge bumper year which we were hoping for, we feel the economy might have a bit to do with it," Mr Ballinger said.
"But we have the ingredients for a fantastic Show and we're nearly there."
Following announcements of funding for the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society from both major parties, Mr Ballinger said all options for the future of the Ballarat Show would be explored.
"We have organised a date with council to look at all options for the future location of the Ballarat Show, it might be better to stay here or it might not, but we will explore all options," he said.
"We're poised to go well into the future with that funding."
alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au