More than 12,000 people attended last year's event.

Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultual Show president Justin Rumore said another strong turn-out was likely.

The growth of the show program and attendance figures in recent years has been acknowledged with an award from the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.

"The association carries out audits of agricultural shows every five years, and they've given us an award for having a 478 per cent increase in gate takings over the last five years," Mr Rumore said.

At a time when many agricultural shows around the state were shrinking, or being postponed or cancelled, Morisset had bucked the trend, Mr Rumore said.

"We're continuing to grow when a lot of shows are in trouble."

He said the introduction of a rodeo on the Saturday night of the Morisset Show had been a major drawcard.

Traditional show attractions such as equestrian events, sheep sheering, and wood chopping had been maintained, and new attractions and facilities had been added every year, he said.

And it will be the same deal this weekend.

Among the new additions to the show this year is a home brewing competition.

Entrants are invited to submit two bottles of their best home-brewed ale, lager, stout, cider or ginger beer.

There's a cash prize and the chance to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on the line.

That, and bragging rights.

Home brewer Jacqui Brown, of Weston, has entered her ginger beer at the insistence of friends and family who love her refreshing drink.

"All of my friends who have tried a bottle have come back for more," Ms Brown said.

Entries in the home brewing section can be dropped off at the showground today and up to 10am tomorrow.

Mr Rumore said patrons would appreciate a new layout at the showground.

New amusement rides would include a large ferris wheel that would overlook the main arena, and the Wipe Out ride, he said.

"You've got to keep changing things to keep people interested."

Other perennial favourites at the show include the Kate Clancy Horse Show, the Beaut Ute and Car Show, the Young Farmers' Challenge, the Pet Show, and Wife Carrying Competition.

Mr Rumore said the program of equestrian events continued to grow, and the standard was exceptional.

Entry to the showground costs $25 for a family of four, or $10 for adults, and $5 for children.

Parking for the event will be on the top oval, with alternate overflow parking available via the showground's back gate after 5pm.

Extra food vendors and water stations will be provided around the showground, while parking stewards will be employed.

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