Organisers, participants and onlookers alike breathed a sigh of relief as they lowered umbrellas and the colourful parade – boasting bands, queens and entourages, village morris dancers, fancy dress and decorated floats – got underway.
It was as if the words of the day's prize winning poem by villager Melissa Gray – 'My Perfect Field Day' – had come true.
"Rain, rain, go away, don't come to us on our field day," the piece begins!
Hundreds gathered to watch the procession wind its way around the streets and onto the recreation ground led by Blackburn and Darwen Band. None were more delighted than Ribchester Queen elect Olivia Charnley and retiring queen Alexandra Finch as the weather improved.
Further musical accompaniment was provided by the Red Rose Band and City of Preston Pipes and Drums.
Much work went into creating the numerous topical, humorous and highly entertaining decorated floats and fancy dress entries, in what was hailed an outstanding parade.
Be it the 'Three MP Scarecrows – all expenses paid'; 'Horrible Histories'; the environmentally minded youngsters of Ribchester St Wilfrid's 'Saving the World'; Rib Tots delighting everyone with 'Under the Sea'; a touch of 'Ribchester Rock 'n Roll'; 'I'm a Celebrity Get me out of Rib'; 'The Water Street Circus' or being reminded by 'The Alternative Ribchester Club' that Christmas was only 188 days away; the judges had a hard job choosing the winners.
And there was a proud moment when Alexandra crowned lifelong friend Olivia who, in turn, officially opened the fun filled afternoon. She was accompanied by attendants Tia Tyrrell, Danielle Jackson, Rebecca Holgate and Nell Tomlinson and page boy Rowan Bond.
Field day chairman Gillian Turner said: "It was absolutely fantastic, a really good day.
"The field looked superb and we were very proud of the way it looked from the dais as we crowned the new queen Olivia Charnley. There was a large crowd, colourful stalls and inflatables, Ridgeside Falcons and Pendle Dog Agility Team. The weather improved as the day went on and there was a big effort from the committee and helpers. It was a very successful day."
Besides the afternoon's entertainment, everyone was able to view the packed marquee, in which residents had competed in classes including models of a Masai warriors; Victoria sponge cakes; topical cartoons and pasta necklaces.
The weekend culminated with Sunday's Village Tea Party, when villagers were entertained by John Wickham's Band and enjoyed afternoon tea on the rec, while younger residents took part in rounders and football tournaments. The tiniest attended a magic show with Mr Jolly.
Funds raised from this year's event will go towards an even bigger celebration next year, the village's 50th field day.
This falls on June 19, 2010 and already everyone is being urged to get involved and help make it one for the history books.