Thrills and spills provided excitement on the opening day of the Ag show yesterday.

From horse-riders tumbling off their mounts to dramatic Chinese acrobats, there was plenty to entertain the crowds.

The Chinese Magic Revue of Taiwan, a globe-trotting troupe who have appeared on TV shows and onstage with Liberace, look set to be the stars of the 57th Agricultural Exhibition.

Their daredevil show features fiery hoops, lethal-looking knives and a mind-boggling balancing act on a tower of chairs.

Comedy is mixed with awe-inspiring feats in a blend of exotic Eastern skills.

Trained from the age of four, the acrobats learn to cultivate "Chi'' -- inner strength or life energy.

By their mid-teens, they have mastered skills in juggling, unicycling, dance and martial arts.

It was all a far cry from the traditional pomp of the opening ceremony, which saw Governor Lord Waddington and Lady Waddington sweep into the main show ring in their official landau.

After the Bermuda Regiment Band performed a lively routine, the glare of sunlight on polished instruments gave way to the glare from a host of glittering trophies.

Minister of the Environment the Hon. Gerald Simons announced: "It's encouraging to see that the tradition of the annual Agricultural Exhibition is alive and well.'' Cameras clicked as proud relatives and colleagues watched the exhibition winners receive their awards from Lord Waddington.

The Governor said he and his wife were "immensely impressed'' by their tour of the show, which he declared "well and truly open''.

He made no secret of his pleasure at the achievements of the Government House gardening team, who made a triumphant return to competition by winning the "best annual'' and "best cut flower'' categories.

Revelling in the brilliant sunshine, locals and tourists alike wandered through the maze of exhibitions.

Children and grown-ups alike marvelled at the host of creatures on display -- the pick of the Island's pets and farm animals.

There was even a bigger-than-usual turn-out of critters made from fruit and vegetables.

Creations of pure beauty, in food or foliage, were mixed with educational exhibits.

Kids had their own informal competitions going -- for scariest painted face, quickest consumption of cotton candy, and most handsome hot-dog.

In a tribute to the hard work of organisers -- many of them volunteers -- attendance on the opening day was up 473 this year, to a total of 2,858.

But there was no record of anyone responding to the invitation posted at a dairy farming display. "You can make a difference,'' said a sign.

"Artificial Insemination.'' Ag Show results -- Page 7 Photos by Tony Cordeiro and Tamell Simons.

SUPPORTING ACT -- The Chinese Magic Revue of Taiwan show their world-famous skills.

HOG HEAVEN -- Three-year-old resident Nicholas Scarcliffe and his mother, Mrs.

Beverly Scarcliffe, wish this service was available to sweltering show visitors.

HIGH CHAIR -- A tower of chairs, balanced on four champagne bottles, is a relaxing perch for this acrobat.