"It was absolutely brilliant."
They pitched tents, hoisted up umbrellas, got out chilly bins and laid down their picnic blankets as local bands took the stage.
About 800 people revelled in the live music, about 500 more than when the Marchwood Blues Picnic first started and about 200 more than last year.
The event is one of only a few in the Western Bay where people can take their own alcohol, as it is located at the 8.9-hectare property of Mr Archer and fellow founder Carol Murphy.
Apart from a few "idiots" who were dealt with quickly, everyone was well behaved and seemed to really enjoy themselves, Mr Archer said.
"I must have had 100 people come up to me and say, 'Thanks so much for a wonderful day'. It just warms your heart. I was up at 3am that morning worrying about the weather and everything," Mr Archer said.
With sunny weather and little breeze, the day was a scorcher.
The weather was the reason Mr Archer and Ms Murphy moved the picnic from its original date of February 4, after advice from weather watcher Ken Ring.
"That was a prediction by Ken Ring. He was right on the money."
About 20-30 people camped out overnight, an option available to discourage drink-driving.
Midge Marsden, Brilleaux, Chris Gunn and Gunshy were some of the artists who performed.
