Cleve welcomed both the showers and around 4500 visitors on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day biennial event.

“Everybody seems happy and very positive so far,” EP Field Days president Shirley Dennis said.

“The little bit of rain we’ve had has only added to the upbeat atmosphere.”

With exhibitor numbers down and fuel prices up, Field Days’ organisers were expecting smaller crowds this year but so far the response has been positive.

“The machinery is, as always, very popular and there’s some great innovations on show,” Mrs Dennis said. “The ArtyCulture Parade is great and the new exhibitor fashion parade is also very popular.

“The Lifestyle program is very full this year and has garnered a lot of interest.”

Highlights of this week’s Lifestyle events will include appearances by ‘travelling chefs’ ‘Fast Ed’ Halmaygi and Del Giorno Café’s Kris Bunder, alongside celebrity gardener Jason Hodges. Governor of South Australia Kevin Scarce will also visit the Field Days this week.

As the Field Days continue until today, Thursday, August 14, president Shirley Dennis has heralded the early rains as a sign of good things to come.

“Numbers could have been down dramatically following poor seasons, but everyone is quite positive and we’re looking forward to a great Field Days.”