The north-east’s premier agricultural show opened it gates to thousands of farmers and spectators yesterday.
The Turriff Show is celebrating its 150th event and today will be given a Royal accolade when the Queen tours the showground at the Haughs.
And there will be an added edge to the celebrations with some of the Queen’s own cattle in the running for a hallowed rosette.
As temperatures soared on what was supposed to be a day of storms, families yesytgathered around the main paddock, ice creams in hand.
So hot was it by midday that one gentleman’s pair of handsome Border collies were left lolling in the grandstand shade.
Kenny and Beth McKie sat with their two young children at the edge of the paddock watching owners brush down their fillies.
Mr McKie said: “We have been here to Turriff before, and we love going to the Aboyne Highland Games.
“We actually came here instead because the weather forecast was so bad for Aboyne.
He added that their kids – Euan, 3, and Marie, 1 – love simply watching the animals.
But as organisers have emphasised in the run up to the show, there really is something for everyone at Turriff.
As you come into the show there is a collection of classic cars, a dog show, pigeon and rabbit displays and even fairground rides.
One attraction proving particularly popular with families was the vintage tractor display.
Alan and Julie Donald had brought their three-year-old son Lewis for the day and he was enjoying sitting on the machines.
Mr Donald said: “We’re originally from Dufftown and we come on our way through to Aberdeen.
“We’ve been before and coming to the Turriff Show has become something of a family tradition.”
Over at the dog show, celebrating her dog Darcy claiming first prize in the postgraduate retriever category, was another visitor with a long-standing love of the show.
Brenda Thomson from Balmedie has been showing dogs at Turriff for the last 13 years.
The former police officer said: “One of my dogs passed away only weeks ago so it’s just nice to be here.
“I’ve had success in the past but that’s not why I come.
“There’s a real camaraderie at Turriff which keeps me coming back.”
It is that camaraderie, above all, which has carried the show these past 150 years and keeps the crowds coming back for more.