The weekend before last a record gate, estimated at 18,000, packed the picturesque showgrounds on the shores of Lake Wanaka to celebrate the event's 75th year.
That's well up on last year's 15,000 tally, and there were 50 more trade exhibitors bringing the total to 430 for the Friday-Saturday show.
A&P Association president Fe Howie told Rural News the 2011 event went "fantastically well."
"It amazes me that we're on this upward growth and people are really supporting the show."
She believes success comes down to good organisation, a great location and wonderful weather.
"It's really a celebration of all things rural."
Wool marshal Tom Rowley reckons the record 160 fleeces in the merino wool section related to an upturn in farming's fortunes.
"Central Otago is the biggest producer of fine merino wool in the country and what you
see here is the best showing of merino wool in New Zealand."
Show coordinator Jane Stalker wants to continue to grow the show, while retaining its relaxed atmosphere, but acknowledges she'll have her work cut out as more trade exhibitors want to climb on board.
This year candy floss, a Ferris wheel, fresh strawberries and Pimms, sat alongside Porsches, the latest model Rolls Royce and John Deere and New Holland Tractors.
Special guest Prime Minister John Key came from Beehive to backwater, loosening his tie for the day as he joined local MP Jacqui Dean.
From judging the 20 finalists in the "Glammies" lamb awards - "it's hard to eat for your country but someone's got to do it," to watching show jumping and meeting the crowds – "I'm really enjoying this," he made the most of his rural encounter.
Dean suggests the show is a credit to everyone involved and recognises the significance of the rural sector, not just in Central Otago but across the country.
"We're all proud of farming and what it's achieved for our country and this is the perfect environment to acknowledge its contribution to New Zealand."
