Firstly, it was free entry.

Secondly, it was a way to bring the community together after the recent devastating bushfires.

Thirdly, it was a chance for the community to say thank you to the many emergency services and Rural Fire Service personnel who worked so tirelessly to extinguish the local fires.

Fourthly, it marked the announcement that after 74 days and burning out 499,621 hectares the Currowan fire was finally declared out.

And fifthly, and possibly one of the most important things, was it brought the rain. Okay, we might have got more than we bargained for but there was no complaining about getting wet.

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For president Mark Stewart, in his first year in the role, the show was a "massive success".

"I'd say considering the conditions it was a huge success," he said.

"There were a lot of faces, a lot of smiling faces there both nights and we managed to get a break in the weather.

"We made the show free to bring the community together after the devastating bushfires and I think we achieved our goal."

Despite the wet, Mr Stewart estimates between 5000 and 7000 patrons visited the show over the two days.

"And the really pleasing thing is at least a quarter told the Rotary members on the gates they had never been to an agricultural show in Nowra before," he said.

"So that's great, they have now been able to experience our show which is fantastic."

Picking a highlight over the two days was tough but Mr Stewart said personally his biggest highlight was the thank you parade for the RFS volunteers.

"The community really showed their appreciation for everything they [the firefighters] did," he said.

"They were clapping and cheering - it was just great. Just nice to see.

"I know the volunteers don't expect any recognition for what they do.

"But they were certainly humbled by it and loved it.

"It was good to be able to have the community in the one location to be able to say thanks.

"It was a fitting way to close the show."

Mr Stewart said despite what has been a horrendous season with drought and then bushfires and people losing their lives, houses and property, the quality of exhibitions was superb.

"The dairy and beef cattle both had top quality exhibits, as did the pavilion, which was incredibly popular, especially when it was raining," Mr Stewart said.

"We staged the first rodeo in two years, the demolition derby was spectacular, the RFS tree feeling was a fantastic display, the woodchop, unfortunately, was cut a bit short on Saturday due to the weather but there were 70 axemen entered, a number of records fell and 490 logs brought in for the competition.

"We had 190 exhibits in the poultry section, which is massive, I've never seen so many entries in the dog high jump and down on the Added Area the commercial exhibits were top rate.

"Nowra Truck and Tractor, Ron Arthur and his team, won the best commercial exhibit - they put in a massive effort having everything from lawn tractors through to major agricultural equipment.

"The animal nursery, which is always popular, won the best overall exhibit and was a credit to Brett and his team, who worked solid for three days including camping at the grounds.

"Add in the great food, the smiling faces and I think we have a very, very successful show.

"I must thank all the volunteers and the show committee who did a great job.

"We brought the community together which was our aim, and there were no complaints about the rain which was certainly very welcome."