Crowds were down on Friday, but Kiama Show Society president David Young said Saturday's patronage was more positive.

"It was good for Saturday, it was pretty much the same as last year," he said.

"Friday was well down - we were about $4000 down.

"It started raining right around 5pm, which is when people normally come down, which was disappointing."

Mr Young said the pet show was especially successful and the horse turnout was positive, particularly on Saturday.

"There were a number of local farmers supporting the cattle sections on the Friday," he said.

"It's just great that the community still supports the show - it's about putting the best of Kiama on show."

The Team Isuzu D-MAX utes were the top drawcard in the entertainment program, showing off their skills in precision driving.

"That was when the ring was the fullest," Mr Young said.

The Illawarra Rural Challenge, a joint competition between the Kiama, Albion Park and Dapto show societies, delivered its first victors.

Dairy farmers the Tittie Pullers took the crown after having to negotiate a hay bale rescue, catch an escaped chicken, drink a litre of milk and build a scarecrow, among other farming challenges. The Mean Machine took out the Kiama heat out of eight teams.

Competition co-ordinator Jess McGee said she was surprised the competition attracted so many participants.

"Dapto and Albion Park were telling people they were full - we're happy there were so many teams," she said.

See our galleries from the show, the pet show and the Australia Day celebrations at kiamaindependent.com.au.