A record 7100 people went through the gates yesterday for the opening of the Northland Field Days near Dargaville despite blustery weather.
The previous highest first-day attendance was 6700 set in 2010.
Organisers said if the numbers continued today and the final day tomorrow a record attendance of 26,000 waspossible.
Field Days president Lew Duggan was blown away by the turnout. With more than 550 exhibitors there were plenty of options available along with competitions and exhibitions.
Newcomers were jousting enthusiasts from Whangarei and Auckland. The group, all members of the Order of the Boar, use lances tipped with balsa wood that splits when a hit is made, rather than riders being knocked from their horses as would have happened in the Middle Ages.
Setting fire to a tractor was the Fire Service's way of reminding farmers the importance of checking under tractor hoods for bird nests. Demonstrations of that take place twice daily, along with a kitchen-site burn.
Sheep dog trials have also drawn good crowds and keen competition.
Winners of the Best Outdoor site were Hynds Pipe Systems from Whangarei, with Warkworth company Tongue, Hammer Food Ltd winning the Best Indoor Site and Kumeu's Woodcraft Creations being named the Best New Site. Each winner wins a free site at next year's event.
"Everybody has worked so hard to make sure there are interesting things to do and see," said Mr Duggan.
"Set aside a full day for the whole family at Northland's largest single event - there is something for everyone," he said.
