Day 7: People’s Day – a Queensland institution
Brisbane’s iconic show day holiday is expected to draw large crowds for day seven of the 2013 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). An institution since 1876, People’s Day is traditionally reserved for the people of Brisbane who are given a day off from work to attend the show.
It was granted for the very first Ekka in 1876 at the Brisbane Showgrounds, when 17,000 of Brisbane’s total population of 22,000 attended.
DOORSTOP: 11am with RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou at Heritage Hill overlooking the Energex Community Arena.
Judging highlights of the B105 People’s Day
· 8:30am: Dairy Cattle – Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Young Judges State Final, Competition Park (map reference: I5)
· 9am: Boer Goat Judging, McDonald’s Upper Beef Cattle Pavilion (map reference: R2)
· 9am: Farriers and Blacksmiths, Competition Park (map reference: I5)
· 9am: Canine Sweepstakes, Dog Pavilion (map reference: I12)
· 12pm: RNA Child Handler Competition, Dog Pavilion (map reference: I12)
· 1:05pm: Grand Parade, Energex Community Arena (map reference: O8)
The Grand Parade: 1:05pm – Energex Community Arena (map reference: O8)
It’s the parade of champions, the best of the best from Grand Champion Fish of Show to Grand Champion Bull. A sight to see and not to be missed, the Grand Parade is a tribute to the winning animals and their handlers.
He’s an Ekka Legend
The RNA’s 2013 Show Legend has been awarded to Kevin Hickey – a man who hasn’t missed an Ekka since 1933 and has shown his own dairy cattle every year for more than 60 years. Kevin Hickey and his family are an institution of the Queensland dairy cattle industry and great supporters of the show for more than 80 years. This celebrated award is presented each year at the Royal Queensland Show President’s Reception and recognises the resolute dedication and effort made by an individual to both the RNA and Ekka.
Ekka goes global (roving)
From 10am today 20 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors will be at the Ekka to share their experiences at Brisbane’s largest event on social media. These lovely, personable and bright young people represent 29 countries worldwide and since taking on the role earlier this year, have been busy promoting Brisbane to the world via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Sparks set to fly…be amazed by the Farriers and Blacksmiths handiwork from 9am (map reference: I5)
Watch these men of steel beat their horse shoes into shape over hot flame. These guys are fit, strong and will have you engrossed as they make a pritchel out of spring steel, hot rasp, toe clip, stamp and nail.
End your day off in style (map reference: M15)
Brand new to the Ekka, watch Chuck Mayfield at 4:30pm and 6:15pm create a graffiti master piece with a New York underground feel at The Harvest and Hops Stage in the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion. With jazz music and delicious foods to sample, sit back and relax after a day at the show.
TODAY’S NIGHT TIME ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM – Energex Community Arena (map reference: O8)
5:30pm – 5:45pm: Woodchop Champions – A Relay of Superior Axemen
5:45pm – 6:05pm: Monster Truck Taxi, Frank Green Comedy Bull
6:05pm – 6:35pm: Isuzu UTE’s D-Max
6:35pm – 7pm: Rooftop Express – Action Comedy Horsemanship
7.00pm – 7.05pm Welcome – Channel 9 personality
7pm – 7:10pm: Welcome and Australian National Anthem sung by Rob Mills, star of Grease the Musical
7:10pm – 8:15pm: Ekka IgNites 360 presented by B105 – Finale Spectacular
Ekka Essentials
Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
August 8 – 17, 2013
Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Queensland
Gates open at 8:30am
Tickets are available online at www.ekka.com.au