Day 1: Ekka arrives
The gates to Queensland’s biggest and most loved event, the 2013 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) open today. There’s plenty taking place around the showgrounds from dancing dogs and fashion parades to celebrity baking demonstrations and newborn lambs.
DOORSTOP: 11:30am with RNA President David Thomas on Heritage Hill overlooking the Energex Community Arena.
Judging highlights
· 8:30am: Stud Beef Cattle, Energex Community Arena (map reference: O8)
· 8:30am: Poultry, Pigeons, Birds and Eggs, Animal Boulevard (map reference: V13)
· 9am: Cookery: Cake Decorating Classes, Lower CommBank Auditorium (map reference: P17)
· 11:30am: Prime Beef, Expo Place (map reference: U10)
· 12pm: Dances with Dogs, Dog Pavilion (map reference: I12)
· 5pm: Limousin Bull Sale, Stud Sale Ring (map reference: U3)
First ever showbag for Dogs Queensland (map reference: I12)
For the first time, Dogs Queensland has released its own distinctive showbag at Ekka. To celebrate the occasion, the President of the RNA, David Thomas will have the honour of being presented with the first ever showbag at 9am in the dog judging rings.
Geoff Pearce – Australia’s only silhouette artist (map reference: O8)
A little part of Ekka history will be recaptured today as Geoff Pearce, The Silhouette Man, uses nothing but scissors, black paper and a good eye, to create detailed silhouettes of Ekka visitors. A tradition which began many years ago by agricultural icon John Ross, a silhouette will be a novelty today but will become a much treasured heirloom for generations to come. Be fascinated at how quickly a detailed likeness emerges as Geoff snips away today at 11am in the Suncorp tent on the Energex Community Arena.
CommBank Natural Fibres Fashion Parade (map reference: H15)
Bringing together the best of the country and the city, the CommBank Natural Fibres Fashion Parade celebrates Queensland’s agricultural industries and local designer talent. Today’s parades will be staged in the Fashion and Fine Food Pavilion at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.
Little Miracles Newborn Corner (map reference: T11)
Returning for its fourth year, Ekka-goers will get a glimpse of the miracle of birth as the Ekka ewes are brought into a safe and secure purpose built facility. The Little Miracles Newborn Corner was the birthplace of 112 baby lambs last year, including 20 sets of twins and one set of triplets.
Peppa Pig and George Taking Turns (map reference: P17)
For the first time in Australia, come and see Peppa Pig and her brother George in their live show stage, Taking Turns. Join them for a fun filled show as they jump in muddy puddles, flip pancakes and ride in the car. Shows today at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm in the CommBank Auditorium.
Celebrity Nancy Ho from Channel 9 The Great Australian Bake Off (map reference: H13)
Featured on The Sunday Mail Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show Stage celebrity chef Nancy Ho will be cooking up a storm with foodie host Dominique Rizzo at 2:30pm today.
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