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Table of Contents
The Ekka, formerly known as the Royal Queensland Show, is the annual agricultural show of Queensland, Australia. Held in August, the iconic event is produced by The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland. With an average of 400,000 visitors, it is Queensland’s largest annual event.
See the fact file below for more information on the Ekka or alternatively, you can download our 23-page Ekka worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORY
- The first exhibition was held from August 22 to 26, 1876, and drew a crowd of 17,000 visitors who traveled to the show either on foot or by horse and carriage.
- The turnout was huge considering that Brisbaneβs population at the time was approximately 20,600 people.
- The first show holds much significance as it was described by locals as the most important event since the Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859.
- The focal point of the grounds was the timber exhibition building where 1,700 exhibits were installed.
- All participants were given a free bag of coal, the prototype of what would be presently known as the showbag.
- The show was originally called the Brisbane Exhibition.
- From the Brisbane Exhibition, the eventβs name changed to the Royal Queensland Show or Royal National Show.
- Now it is famously known as the Ekka, which is short for exhibition.
- It was derived from the popular International Exhibitions being held in Great Britain and around the world.
- In 1920, the exhibition was visited by Edward, Prince of Wales who gave permission for the name of the association to change to the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland.
- The primary purpose of the show originally was for people to showcase their agricultural and industrial inventions as well as the best livestock.
- The exhibition provided a platform where people could display their modern inventions used for ploughing, sowing, and harvesting.
- The show has evolved to include animal competitions and animal adventures like sheep shearing and a milking barn.
- In 1964, the showrunners included the Animal Nursery which showed off baby farmyard animals for visitors to meet and greet.
- Since the showβs opening in 1876, Ekka has been held annually without fail, except in 1919 because of the Spanish flu pandemic, in 1942 because the Second World War broke out, and in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
LOCATION
- The Ekka is held in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.
- It is hosted by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland.
- The Ekka remains the most popular event in Queensland, gathering more or less 400,000 visitors attending the event in recent
- It runs for 10 days in August at the Brisbane Showgrounds located in the north-eastern suburb of Bowen Hills.
- The Brisbane Showgrounds spans an area of 22 hectares.
- When the Ekka is in place, the Exhibition railway line is operational with special trains like historic steam trains carrying passengers directly to the station located in the showgrounds.
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
- Visitors of the Ekka enjoy numerous attractions and activities.
- Over time, attractions at the Ekka included not only agricultural displays, but also daytime entertainment, fairground rides, animal parades, motorbike stunts, equestrian events, a firework display, and a Side Show Alley.
- Showbags are also an essential part of the Ekka experience.
- Showbags typically contain confectionery and novelty food items.
- Showbags are now sold instead of given out for free, like in the first exhibition where a bag of coal was given as a freebie.
- The cost of showbags ranges from $1 to $108.
- Visitors can choose from a wide variety of showbags. For example, in 2015, there were 362 different showbags available.
- Local companies and bigger corporations can offer their merchandise at a discounted cost through showbags.
- Aside from displays and showbags, competitions take centerstage at the Ekka.
- Since 1876, awards have been given out to the top producers of livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
- Those who excel in industrial skills, such as farriery and cake decorating, are also given recognition and awards.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
- The Ekka raises a huge amount of revenue which on average amounts to approximately $100 million.
- The Ekka has a very special place in the culture of Brisbane, and Queensland in general.
- The Ekka has been successful in showcasing Queensland culture, produce, initiatives, and resources.
- The City of Brisbane holds a public holiday known as “People’s Day” which takes place on the Wednesday after the Ekka commences.
FUN FACTS
- The first ride in Sideshow Alley was a merry-go-round.
- The first Skymaster Ferris Wheel was included in 1969.
- In the week leading up to the Ekka, westerly winds descend on Brisbane which have been called the ‘Ekka winds’.
Ekka Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Ekka across 23 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Ekka worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Ekka, formerly known as the Royal Queensland Show, which is the annual agricultural show of Queensland, Australia. Held in August, the iconic event is produced by The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland. With an average of 400,000 visitors, it is Queensland’s largest annual event.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Ekka Facts
- Relevant Vocabulary
- Name Search
- Things Youβd See
- Ekka or Error?
- Ekka Crossword
- Recent Photos
- Exhibitions in Australia
- Live Tweeting
- Curate a Showbag
- Banner and Invitation
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Link will appear as Ekka Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, July 21, 2021
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.