Bendigo Agricultural Show Society secretary Rod Bowles said gate takings were “well up” on previous shows – about 10 per cent higher than the well attended 2015 show.

“The put two days of weather today for our show was a bit unique,” he said.

Rainy weather impacted the popularity of last year’s show.

But the sun shone throughout both days of the 2017 event, encouraging people through the gates.

“It’s our best ever gate takings since I’ve been secretary,” Mr Bowles said.

He said the show typically attracted about 15,000 people.

The combination of pleasant weather, a range of attractions and community participation was believed to have contributed to the show’s success.

“Entries to the different categories were really strong – that’s always a positive,” Mr Bowles said.

Popular family attractions included the monster trucks and the circus.

Mr Bowles said the national shearing and wool handling championships also attracted attendees.

Tucked away behind the pavilion dedicated to all things dogs was the home of the Bendigo Steam and Oil Engine Preservation Group.

Inside were rare engine models, many of which were running throughout the show.

The group consists of about 25 members.