Rose of Tralee organisers were not too concerned about what many feared would be near-hurricane conditions yesterday.
The dome, the temporary structure which each year houses the televised selection of the Rose was well secured and this year the 2,000-seat structure has moved from an open car-park to a more sheltered spot behind the Brandon Hotel.
The threat from the weather was discussed at a team meeting early yesterday, Mr Ted Keane, head of media, said.
"What we are more aware of is the possibility of rain on the streets," added Mr Keane.
Plans for a permanent dome and Rose of Tralee centre were shelved during the turmoil surrounding the restructuring of the festival this year.
However, plans are in development by the town council for an events centre which would accommodate the festival and interest from private companies has been sought.
The festival was lucky on Saturday night when it didn't rain on the opening parade.
Themed giant floats carrying the 28 Roses were accompanied by groups of dancers from the Tralee Stage Group in the costume and performing dances from Spain, Hawaii, Africa, Brazil and many other countries.
The parade was reviewed by host Ryan Tubridy, the Mayor of Tralee, Mr Johnny Wall ( FF), and the 2003 rose, Orla Tobin, of Dublin. Crowds were up on last year.
Insp Martin McCarthy said more families were in evidence and spectators were well-behaved. However, there had been a number of minor public order offences.
The betting yesterday was still on Elizabeth Kee the blonde New York Rose and one time participant in the American reality TV Show, the sultry Temptation Island.
Elizabeth, however, said: "Don't bet on me, the odds are too bad." At odds of four to one she was ahead of Texas Rose Caitlin Lowry.
The 18-year old stetson-wearing yellow rose of Texas, a media student, said of the festival: "It's amazing, the best thing I have done in my life so far."
Dublin's dark-haired rose Joanna Cullen is also well in the running, according to the bookies.
However, the majority of the winners of the title since the late 1990s have been blonde.
The running order of the Rose interviews was announced yesterday.
First to take the stage tonight will be Angela Crowley, the 22-year old English Rose, a champion Irish dancer.
She is currently Senior-Ladies' All-Ireland Champion and Great Britain Champion.
She will be followed by the 25-year-old Limerick Rose Yvonne Nagle and by Dublin Rose Joanna Cullen.