Crowds flock to Sheepvention opening day

THE weather gods smiled on the opening day of Sheepvention at Hamilton yesterday as feared heavy rain stayed away but fortunately the crowds didn't.

Organisers were pleased with the first-day attendance and said the event was on track to attract the 25,000 people anticipated to come through the gates during its two days.

Yesterday's weather was in contrast to Sunday's, when hail pelted down on exhibitors setting up stands. Yesterday's highlights included fashion parades, yard dog trials, judging of the sheep show, announcement of winners in an inventions competition, wool handling and student fencing competitions and a food feast in the Home Paddock pavilion.

Today's events include the largest multi-vendor ram sale in Australia, yard dog award presentation, shearing competitions, more fashion parades and cooking demonstrations by a celebrity chef.

ehimmelreich@standard.fairfax.com.au