The city's agricultural show experienced record crowds on Friday, a feat helped by the fact that Colac Otway Shire holds its public holiday especially for the event.

Colac and District Pastoral and Agricultural Show president Hugh Riches said close to 3000 people converged on the city's showground for the first day of the three-day show.

"I would say attendance on the first day was the best Friday we have ever seen at the show," Mr Riches said.

"Yesterday afternoon numbers were down due to the hot weather but overall we are happy with the turnout."

Mr Riches said a number of new events including a Ford-Holden ute challenge and pioneer village demonstration kept show-goers both young and old entertained.

"We held the Ford-Holden ute challenge on the Saturday night and you wouldn't believe the interest that generated," he said.

"Some people take great pride in their utes and there's always that Holden versus Ford rivalry that ute and car lovers will always have."