Smoke, fires, dust, thick fog - even a drizzle of rain - could not shrink the success of Dorrigo's 108th show or the enthusiasm it generated.
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Final preparations for the show were carried out during 13 weeks of constant threat from bushfires on the plateau and an unwelcome pall of thick smoke every day.
Some show features, such as the Fun Run, had to be cancelled because of safety concerns or key people being away on fire fighting duties.
But conditions did not deter a record crowd at the Dorrigo Bull Rides on Friday evening nor a strong sense of celebration during the official opening and grand parade.
Show officials, speaking on Sunday afternoon, said they were pleased with the outcome, despite the hardships.
"We believe this weekend has engendered a great deal of happiness and good feelings on the plateau and we feel that is very important," one senior official said.
Oxley MP Melinda Pavey, a regular guest at the show, warmly commended officials and plateau residents for their efforts in staging the show under difficult conditions.
"Dorrigo is a wonderful show and more so this year for the challenges currently faced by people living here on the plateau," she said.
"To Sally Duckett and your team thank you for persevering and delivering the 108th annual Dorrigo Show.
"Despite the drought, the fires, and the smoke you made it happen, giving everyone the distraction they needed."
The show was officially opened by Bellinger Shire's Youth of the Year, 2019, Shanlee Duckett, who encouraged young people to help their communities.
"I would like to encourage all other young people to get involved with volunteering in the community," she said. "This is important for communities and organisations to survive.
"A great example is the Dorrigo Show which is in its 108th year due to the hard work of a committed team working all year round to deliver a fantastic family event highlighting Dorrigo's versatile agricultural productivity."
Dorrigo's Show girl for 2020 is Catherine Burley, a fourth generation member of a prominent plateau Jersey stud family.
Catherine is in her third year studying at the University of Newcastle to be an occupational therapist.
She spent her morning leading cattle in the dairy section for her family's Moonpah stud.
She proved to be multi talented, winning prizes in the cooking events: first for a carrot cake and second in a number of other sections.
Catherine will represent Dorrigo in the regional Show Girl judging which will be held in Dorrigo early next year.