brought a welcome ray of sunshine to the organisers.

It boosted the attendance figure for the three days to 16,625 -- just 1,387 down on last year.

"Overall we are very pleased indeed,'' said a delighted Mr. John Barnes, exhibition director, yesterday.

Bright April sunshine brought 7,853 people flocking to the Botanical Gardens on Saturday -- up 392 on last year.

"It is certainly the highest number we have on record,'' said Mr. Barnes.

"We believe the recession meant the crowds in the first two days were lower than last year.

"There were certainly fewer schoolchildren. Instead of coming on each of the days, they decided to spend the whole of Saturday.'' The number of paid admissions for Thursday was 3,195; and for Friday 5,577.

Saturday's crowd saw a thunderous closing ceremony with a beat retreat by the Bermuda Regimental Band, and the United States 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.

"We drew as many people to the closing ceremonies as to other attractions,'' said Mr. Barnes.

A tug-of-war won by the Athletic Club in both the lightweight and heavyweight divisions was also a huge crowd-pleaser.

This year's event included several firsts -- the US Marine band, an Elastic Gymnastic Show, and a visit by children's favourites from Canada's Wonderland, Yogi Bear, Barney Rubble, and Fred Flintstone.

The US band, which has built up an international reputation with performances all over the world, proved a big success.

It had toes tapping throughout the three days with its mix of ceremonial and concert music.

"We were very impressed with the variety of music performed, including reggae, disco, blues, and swing,'' said Mr. Barnes. "They were extremely popular with crowds and got them to join in.'' The Elastic Gymnastic Show featured a form of bungee jumping using cords attached to a 40-foot steel frame.

Star performers included Mr. Yves Milord, from Montreal, the former world trampolining champion; Mr. Bill Brown, a high diving expert; and Mr. Greg Wise, from Orlando.

Mr. Rob Bollinger, and his wife, Natalie, who have performed gymnastic stunts for such box office hits as Hook and Lethal Weapon 111, also performed daredevil acts.

The show -- compered by Carla Capps -- was a dazzling mix of slapstick humour, comedy, and serious routines.

Under the title, The Flying Fools, the same artistes also laid on trampolining demonstrations.

There were, of course, the regular attractions -- the equestrian events, and floral and vegetable exhibits -- which proved as popular as ever.