With crowds flocking to the local showground from early in the day, show secretary Margaret Samiec yesterday couldn't have been more delighted with the early stages of the event.

"I didn't expect the people to start coming down here so early in the day," she said.

"Normally things don't start to really get moving until later in the afternoon, but by lunchtime we were in full swing.

"A lot of parents with young children came along, possibly to beat the crowds later in the day."

Mrs Samiec said if the trend continued the 2003 Royal Bathurst Show would be one of the best on record.

"By the time the fireworks come on at 7.30pm we expect the grounds to be pretty much packed," she said.

"Sideshow alley is a full compliment and with Dr Harry Cooper performing the official opening at 2.30pm on Saturday followed by the grand parade at 3pm there should be something for everyone.