Royal Queensland Show – Qantas Amazing Australia
For Queenslanders the Royal Queensland Show, held each August, will always be known as The Exhibition or, affectionately, as the ‘Ekka’. It is run by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland and began in 1876. This year’s show marks its 121st anniversary.
Details
Dates: The show ran from Thursday 7 August to Saturday 16 August 1997
Venue: Exhibition Grounds, Gregory Terrace, Fortitude Valley.
Admission: Entrance fees: $12 for adults; $8 for pensioners and school students 14-18 years; $5 for children 6-13 years; and free admission for children under 6.
Exhibits: Some exhibits include a horse expo and a competition to decide the ‘Cow with the Loveliest Face’. As well there are arts and crafts, baking and fresh produce competitions and many other agricultural events.
Historical points of interest
There has only been one year without a show in Brisbane since it began in 1876. In 1919, an outbreak of influenza forced the closure as the buildings were used as an infectious disease hospital.
The Exhibition grounds, where the Royal Queensland Show has been held since 1876, were also the venue for the first cricket test played in Brisbane in 1928 when Don Bradman made his test debut scoring 18.
Further information
The Royal Queensland Show, Exhibition Grounds, Gregory Terrace, Fortitude Valley. Phone: (07) 3852 1831. Next year’s Royal Queensland Show will be held from 6-15 August, 1998.