WE'RE a hardy lot in the Far North. With grey clouds and persistent rain yesterday morning, you could have been forgiven for thinking opening day of the Cairns Show would have been a write-off.

But while the wet weather deterred a few, a large crowd still rolled in soon after the gates opened.

See Cairns Show photo gallery.

Show president Ian Allen said the weather meant it was unlikely they would top the crowd of 70,000 for the three days recorded last year.

"We would have been about 20 per cent down at noon on noon last year," he told The Cairns Post.

"But having a walk around in the afternoon, I’m quite pleased.

"There’s not another community that supports its show like ours does, especially given the weather we’ve had."

The Show had its usual thrills and spills yesterday with children enjoying sideshow alley, animal pavilions and dagwood dogs, while older generations enjoyed show jumping and the myriad plant and animal competitions.

Alastair and Vicki Morwood were two of the many parents who took time to take their kids, Yazmin, 4, and Evie, 2, to the show.

"It’s great to see the enjoyment on their faces," Vicki said. "For them, it’s a great event and they don’t get to go on the rides very often."

The Morwood kids were restricted to rides for small people.

Showbags were a big attraction for young people but with the typical bag costing $18-$20, they took a bite out of parents’ wallets. With $35 entry for a family of four, plus show bags, rides and food, they estimated the day could cost as much as $200.

For many children, seeing animals up close was a thrill. Karen Hobbs, from Brinsmead, said her daughter, Emelie, 4, was enthralled by the baby goats.

"It is something different for her and something she will remember," Ms Hobbs said.

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