Huge crowds for Field Days

With a well-timed blaze of sun adding to the visiual effect, Stuart Ewing, from Gore, shows how to look like a superhero on motocross bike. Photo / Tania Whyte

The Northland Field Days wrapped up with a huge crowd making the most of the rural showcase, entertainment and great weather.

More than 25,000 people visited the three-day event held over Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Dargaville.

The final ticket count isn't yet in but gate takings were up on last year despite the organisers having reduced the entry fee, said Field Days committee president Lew Duggan.

The cheaper ticket prices — a family pass for two adults, three children and free parking for $30; individuals $12 (down from $15) — proved very popular, Mr Duggan said.

The tally for the 32nd annual event won't be known until numbers are in from outlets selling on behalf of the Field Days trust, but the gate numbers increased each day and were up on last year's daily count, which in turn had been up from the year before.

"Everything ran smoothly," Mr Duggan said.

"Possibly there were not so many sales on big items overall because of the dairy pay-out at the moment, but that's the nature of the rural sector. It changes from year to year."

There were 550 exhibitors displaying everything from giant farm machinery to cup decorating. Competitions and spectator sports included motocross, a tractor pull, lawnmower racing, a quad bike competition, dog trial, sheep races, hang-the-gate speed trials and laser clay shooting.