As the first day of the weekend brought many families out to Exhibition Park, shade was a highly sought after commodity, with the temperature climbing into the 30s throughout the afternoon.

While popular fan favourite event the woodchopping was axed from this year's event, there was still plenty on offer for the thousands streaming through the gates.

The sounds of V8 engines could be heard across the showground, with the Holden vs Ford ute challenge bringing one of motor racing's greatest rivalries to EPIC, while the ultimate strongman competition also pulled a large crowd.

According to eight-year-old Mathew Girvan, however, the rides were the best place to be.

"I really liked the Cha-cha, because you get to spin around and it's really fast," he said.

Bill Galeff was also one of the many in attendance at the show, who was there where his one-year-old grandchild Charlie.

"I usually come to the show every year," he said.

"I just being the grandchildren along, they're all looking forward to Peppa Pig."

Of course, no visit to the Canberra Show would be complete without a visit to see all of the animals.

Among the many people in the barnyard nursery was Sharon Roby, who travelled from central Victoria to exhibit her nine goats at the show.

This is the second year Ms Roby has been exhibiting in the nursery, and said crowd numbers have been steady throughout the day.

"It's been very busy today, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days at the show," she said.

"There's lots of families and children here."

Ms Roby said is able to bring exposure for many people living in Canberra to farm animals.

"Even though Canberra is surrounded by bush and farms, a lot of kids live in the suburbs and don't have interactions with the animals," she said.

The Royal Canberra Show continues on Sunday at Exhibition Park. Gates open at 8.30am.