The Ekka's 150th anniversary kicks off Saturday at the Brisbane Showgrounds, with more than 400,000 people expected over nine days. The milestone event is forecast to inject over $180 million into the local economy and create around 2,000 jobs.
First held in 1876, the Royal Queensland Show has long brought the country to the city. The beloved nickname "Ekka" comes from "Exhibition," and the tradition runs deep for 7NEWS presenter Samantha Heathwood, who has attended every year since age six.
Attractions and Numbers
Visitors will find over 300 free attractions across 20 pavilions, 210 hours of live music, 83 rides and games, plus 356 showbags—93 of them brand-new. Nightly fireworks feature 3.5 tonnes of pyrotechnics.
Heathwood recalls her first Ekka, driving down from Toowoomba with her parents. "I remember getting my face painted and my first showbag. I was too scared to go on a big ride but I did love driving the little cars," she said.
Food and Family Traditions
Food remains a major draw, with around 180,000 iconic strawberry sundaes expected to be served. Last year, showgoers also devoured more than 150,000 Dagwood Dogs, 37,000 cheese toasties, and 8,750 award-winning steaks, washing them down with 25,000 beers and 41,000 cans of rum.
Heathwood's family traditions haven't changed much. "We always get there early so we get the half-price rides and try to go on as many as possible in that first hour," she said. "Dodgems, baby animals, showbags, sundaes and fireworks—they're the staples that keep us coming back!"
Agricultural Roots
Beyond the fun, the Ekka stays rooted in agriculture. More than 10,000 animals, including 1,498 head of beef cattle, will be on show. Some 21,500 entries across 58 competitions will be judged by 758 judges and stewards, competing for over $759,000 in prize money.
"The Ekka is a celebration of all things Queensland—the produce, the animals, the food, the baking and especially the people," Heathwood said. "We are such a diverse state, and the Ekka brings everything together in a wonderful kaleidoscope of colour and fun."
Organisers expect to hand out more than 32,000 ribbons, rosettes and sashes by the end. The Arts and Cookery competition alone has attracted 5,138 entries.
Behind the Scenes
Last year's operation used over 3,500 cubic metres of sawdust and sand for animal bedding, planted 5,000 seedlings, and served 3,000 tasting plates of Queensland beef and lamb.
A special 7NEWS documentary hosted by Heathwood airs Thursday, August 6 at 7.30pm on Seven and 7plus.
