The sun finally came out yesterday, and so did the crowd, as more than 3,300 people came through the gates for the annual Gemfest event at the Lismore Showground.

Sure, it was muddy underfoot in places, and boots were the fashion of the day, but the gems, minerals, and jewellery were on display, and keen customers were looking for items that would look good in the home or on the body. And there was something for every budget, from $2 to $7,000.

Organisers from the Lismore Lapidary & Gem Club were slightly worried when celebrating their 60th birthday on Friday night, with the rain pouring down. By the time they woke up, 35mm had fallen in Lismore and the skies were grey.

(Celebrating their 60th birthday Friday night and accepting a presentation were Lismore Gem & Lapidary Club's Jenny Vyrenhoek, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, President Rod Knight, Karen Hogan and founding member Heather Bolton)

Those fears were washed away, pun intended, when people began lining up at the gates from 8:30am.

"It was just a busy first day at Gemfest," Vice President Jenny Vyrenhoek told the Lismore App. "We had a thousand people in by 10 o'clock this morning. We didn't know what to expect after last night's rain."

"I want to thank Richmond Sand & Gravel. They let us come over and grab whatever gravel we needed to help with the worst of the mud. We've put down hay and mulch to try and mop up the wet areas."

The lack of parking spaces didn't prove a problem because more than 1,000 people caught the Gemfest bus, while others found some dry ground to park their cars.

A typical Saturday entry is closer to 5,000 people, but that didn't bother Jenny. "I think it's been exceptional really," she said.

There are over 140 tailgaters who were also happy that Lismore turned out once again under difficult circumstances. Christine and Doug drove down from Bribie Island with their two dogs. They love coming to Lismore because of the diverse age of attendees. "There are young people and older people. A lot of the time we go to other areas where the people are mainly old," Christine shared.

An early start is the order of the day for tomorrow because of the earlier closing time of 3pm, so the tailgaters can hit the road for their next destination or travel home.

"We'll be happy if we make the same numbers tomorrow," Jenny said, "And if it is fine again like this, I can't see why we wouldn't."

There were plenty of food and drink options, and the gem-fossicking area at the front of the main pavilions was busy with children finding gemstones and minerals.

Gemfest opens at 9am at the Lismore Showground and closes at 3pm. Buses run from 9am to 1pm, leaving from the Lismore Transit Centre on Molesworth Street, then picking up further down Molesworth Street at the Koori Mail for those who would like to park at the Browns Creek carpark. It will be running from 2pm to 3pm for the run home.

Cost is only $5 for adults and $1 for kids.