"It's been brilliant, better than we expected given the wet weather we've had," those were the words spoken by Vice President of the Lismore Lapidary Club Jenny Vyrenhoek yesterday afternoon with a huge smile on her face as large crowds made their way to the Lismore Showgrounds for the first day of Gemfest 2024.

Day two promises more of the same with plenty of sunshine and a partly cloudy forecast with a top of 20 degrees as last night's thunderstorms have cleared.

The Lapidary Club team had a hectic morning yesterday, throwing down mulch, straw, and some bluestone over the really wet patches of the showground. This made the exposed surfaces walkable, especially as the sun dried the grounds. The upgraded road and paths and improved drainage also helped make conditions a lot better than they would have been in previous years.

Another aspect that pleased Jenny Vyrenhoek was the use of the free shuttle bus. Reports from the driver were 30 to 40 people each trip as the shuttle ran every 15 minutes from the Transit Centre in the CBD to the North Lismore War Memorial providing a short walk to the main gates. The free shuttle bus will be running again today between 10am and 1pm, then again between 2 and 3pm.

For those that do take the shuttle bus, and purchase a large gemstone, you can make arrangements to pick it up at the main gate later. As single-use plastic bags are banned in NSW, it is suggested you take your own bag for purchases.

The enthusiastic crowd streamed through the gates at a steady pace from all over the Northern Rivers including Lennox Head, Ballina, Casino and Kyogle with some making the trip south from Brisbane and the Gold Coast for Australia's largest gemstone event.

Lismore's Nathan and Caelan were making their fifth appearance at Gemfest and were enjoying fossicking on the grass.

Nathan had bought copper and a picture for his mum. The attraction for the family at Gemfest is the fossils.

The gates reopen at 9am this morning (Sunday) with Gemfest closing the gates at 3pm. It is only $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12.