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,” 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.

“A number of exhibitors have said the people who came yesterday (Tuesday) came to buy,” she said on Wednesday.

“The courier service had twice the amount of calls to take parcels compared to the previous field days.

“The machinery is, as always, very popular and there’s some great innovations on show.

“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.

South Australian Governor Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce will also visit the field days this week.

As the field days continue until today Mrs 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.”