Mr Linn doubted whether the hoped-for foot traffic of over 30,000 for the three days of the annual event would be reached, but said: "We'd be pleased with the result considering the weather factor."
The possible decrease in numbers yesterday is expected to be offset by an opening-day Wednesday crowd estimated to be 25 per cent up on the first day of last year's 150th anniversary show, and a slight increase on Thursday.
There were some especially pleasing commercial results, including one trade exhibitor who had told organisers he took over $100,000 in orders and commented it was good to see the rural community supporting the show and its exhibitors.
The arrival of the squall caused thousands to bolt for cover, in the grandstands and larger marquees and halls.
The early crowd was a big boon, with food vendors inundated, resulting in a 15-minute power outage in the food court mid morning. Looking ahead, next year could potentially usher in a new era of success for the show.
The society has Royal Agricultural Society licence to stage the Royal Show from 2015-2017 and Mr Linn said hosting some stock classes with "Royal Event" status this year and in 2013 had already brought tangible benefits.
"This year we've had more beef cattle numbers than in the last three years, and we've also seen a return to showing sheep. The Royal brand adds a certain amount of mana."
The Royal Show will attract entrants to the region from throughout the North and South Islands, to compete in the country's premier agricultural show.
It will see the addition of new animal classes, such as dairy, and further development of the show's new beef and lamb precincts.
As dusk fell, the gates closed, and Mr Linn noted a touch of sadness that it was all over again - "when everyone goes, when you see it stripped-down , the rubbish bins and all the trappings."
But it will be up to 10 days before the show infrastructure is completely packed down.
