Sandra Harlor, a volunteer from the Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre, said despite the weather the day was a success with 5000 to 6000 visitors.

``We've joked that we're blaming Phil Costa, who opened the dam and the festival, for the rain,'' she said.

``He's the Minister for Water and he must have brought it with him.

``We do need it, but maybe he could have chosen the day better.''

Ms Harlor wanted to thank all those involved, especially volunteers and those from the neighbourhood centre who helped out from 6am to 6pm on the day.

``Our performers were great as well; the stunt bikes performed in the rain which was scary but the crowd loved it,'' Ms Harlor said.

``Our newcomers to the emergency services tug of war, the Warragamba Junior Rugby League Parents, won.

``It was traditionally just the emergency services that entered it but last year National Parks joined and then the parents this year.''

The dam, along with a new viewing platform, is now closed until November 8, when it will be opened to the wider public.

Dam Fest began as the Warragamba Silverdale Community Fair Car and Bike show in 2004.

It has grown over the years, moving from the town centre to picnic grounds last year and changing its name.

The festival raises money for resources and courses at the Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre.