THE Bendigo Show started on Friday with a bang.
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The roar of the monster trucks, the sight of children making friends with lambs and chicks in the animal nursery and the crowds flocking to the show bag and games stalls created a lively atmosphere.
John and Sam Bragg surprised their four children - Amalee, 8, Jurgen, 7, Kane, 4 and Gabriel, 2 - on Friday morning and took them to their first show.
"They've actually been pretty excited about everything - they've done the circus, they love the show bags," Mr Bragg said.
Amalee, 8, was making her way around a pool of water in a giant inflatable clear bubble, which was a popular attraction among youngsters.
Bendigo Budgerigar Club president Barry Butcher said he had been involved in the club for eight years and enjoyed going to the show.
"The Saturday is always busier, but on Friday it's great when the kids and older people come through and you can have a chat and laugh," he said.
The beautiful weather certainly doesn't deter anyone.
- Rod Bowles
Rhonda Begg has attended the show with her father John Barr, 91, for years and the classic Bertie Beetle showbag is her favourite.
"I enjoy the circus and the animals and, of course, I get show bags for my grown-up children," she said.
The children's petting zoo was one of the most touching sights of the day, with Farmer Darrell introducing excited young children to rabbits, piglets and tiny chicks.
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society secretary Rod Bowles said the show got off to a great start on Friday, with good numbers through the gate.
"The beautiful weather certainly doesn't deter anyone," he said.
He said including new elements such as a competition to grow a garden in a wheelbarrow helped to keep the spirit of the show strong.
"Our interest is in promoting agriculture, so if we can encourage kids to learn about where our food comes from by having fun gardening that is great," he said.
Susan Clarke of Cairns was visiting her brother Darren in Bendigo and said Friday was her first visit to the show in 20 years.
The show ends with a stunning display of fireworks each night.