Hundreds came out to enjoy food, flora and fun for the opening of the Agricultural Exhibition today.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and the Environment, said the event at the Botanical Gardens showed “how important it is to appreciate and support local agriculture”.

The minister added: “They connect us to our land, farmers and food, and keep us thinking about sustainability, how we grow, eat and care for our environment.

“The exhibition inspires creativity, confidence and curiosity, which shows students they can take part in, contribute and be celebrated for what they create — in a world where so much is digital, this is real hands-on experience they will never forget.”

Bermuda kites, livestock, produce and a range of exhibits are on display during the three-day event, which also features performances from local acts and US-based BMX group DialedAction Sports.

Biker Andrei Burton, who stunned audiences on America’s Got Talent, performed one and two-wheeled stunts in the upper ring.

Jason Schwinabart, the booking manager for DialedAction, has been overwhelmed by the island and its hospitality since he and Mr Burton arrived on Monday.

Mr Schwinabart said: “The crowd for our first show was great, the children were making tons of noise. We’re super excited to be here. We’re probably the first act like this at the exhibition, so it’s an honour to be part of it.”

Noelle Young, who attended with her four-year-old son, Adonis, said her single father had worked at the Botanical Gardens when she was growing up.

She explained: “It’s important to make sure the younger generation has that example, especially for those early learners seeing what is possible and what they can accomplish, the different types of agriculture and animals and this fantastic BMX event, which is not something you see often on the island.”

Despite the excitement, no pigs are on display this year.

Mr Adams said this week: “Pigs have been a cherished part of this exhibition for generations and our team made every effort to import them for the show.

“Unfortunately, logistical issues beyond our control prevented that from happening.

“We will continue to explore solutions so that this beloved feature returns in the future.”

David Burrows Sr, of the Bermuda Agriculture Group, said there were once hundreds of pigs on the island but the population had decreased as housing developed.

He explained: “People nowadays work in an office and don’t want pigs in their neighbourhood because it will devalue their land.

He said pig-keeping in Bermuda “dwindled and dwindled, until it died a natural death”.

Supportive Therapy and Rehabilitation for Persons with Aids and their Relatives, as well as WindReach, Age Concern Bermuda and several other organisations, sold food and treats to raise money during the exhibition.

Carolyn Armstrong, the director of Star, said Fluffy Stuff Snowballs was helping the charity raise funds, which will be used to buy a new washing machine

She added: “We are here every year, so we anticipate a slow and steady turnout. We’re looking forward to a super weekend.

Ms Armstrong said Star was “just working very quietly, because there is still a stigma surrounding HIV/Aids and we have to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all our clients no matter what”.

The exhibition will continue from 8am to 6pm tomorrow and Saturday and tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors, can be bought at the gate.