history
About The Ekka The Ekka is Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event, attracting around 400,000 people each year. Run by the RNA for nine days in August and staged at its original birthplace, the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Ekka brings the country and city together for a true celebration of agriculture. The Ekka showcases the best of Queensland, attracting more than 20,000 competition entries from woodchop to quilts, 10,000 animals from beef cattle to cats and dogs, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and beverages, carnival rides, showbags, family shopping, educational activities and much more. The iconic show has been running since 1876 and is full of traditions, a unique atmosphere and childhood memories which have been passed down through generations of families. Who is Behind the Show? Founded in 1875, the RNA is an independent, not-for-profit member-based organisation that has freehold title to the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds. The organisation’s guiding mission is to bring people together to showcase, celebrate and experience agriculture and Queensland. Governed by 21 elected Councillors, the RNA showcases and rewards the best of the best in agriculture through the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) and Royal Queensland Awards (RQA) competitions. Outside of Ekka, the Brisbane Showgrounds is a venue business which hosts more than 200 events each year including exhibitions, conferences, banquets and music festivals. How It All Began The RNA has a rich history stemming back to 1875 when a group of colonists joined together to encourage the development of Queensland’s primary industries. Leading members of the colonial society formed the first RNA Council, under the presidency of Governor Sir William Cairns, with most of the 35 members pastoralists and merchants. The RNA Council immediately committed themselves to organising the very first exhibition for Brisbane - from calling for tenders for the initial building to meeting with the Premier of Queensland to establish a public holiday on opening day. The result was the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876 - the largest event to be held in the state up to that point. The RNA, along with the exhibition, continued to expand and grow in popularity and in 1921, the association was granted the prefix ‘Royal’ under warrant from His Majesty King George V. Since then, the shortened name ‘Ekka’ has replaced ‘Exhibition’ in the Queensland vernacula r.
The First Show On August 22, 1876, a crowd of more than 15,000 people made their way by horse, foot or carriage to experience the very first Ekka, at what is now known as the Brisbane Showgrounds. Some of today’s traditions stem back to this first exhibition. Competitions were a cornerstone of the Ekka right from the beginning with 1,700 entries across 650 classes with people competing for trophies, cash prizes and medals. Visitors were treated to more than 1,000 exhibits and charged an entry fee of a half-crown, or one shilling if they waited until after the official opening. Celebrating the colony’s achievements, the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876 was praised as the most significant event in Queensland since its separation from New South Wales. Since 1876 the Ekka has continued to grow in popularity and size, remaining one of the most anticipated yearly events. Has the Ekka Ever Been Cancelled? The Ekka has been held annually at the Brisbane Showgrounds since its inception, except for four instances - in 1919 at the height of the Spanish influenza epidemic, in 1942 during World War II when the grounds were used as a staging depot for troops and most recently in 2020 and 2021 due to the
worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Strawberry Sundae Story
A beloved tradition for more than 70 years, the iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundae first made its delicious debut in the 1950s. The sweet sensation was born when Peter’s Ice Cream Company dreamt up the perfect combination - strawberry ice cream, fresh locally grown strawberries, and a generous swirl of whipped cream, all served in a crunchy waffle cone. The result? An instant crowd favourite that’s remained a must- have treat at the Ekka ever since. More than just a dessert, the Strawberry Sundae is now a symbol of the Show itself - bringing smiles to faces, one scoop at a time. *Historical information and statistics sourced from ‘Showtime – A History of the Brisbane Exhibition’ by Joanne Scott and Ross Laurie, 2008; and RNA Archives.
ekka media kit | Page 64
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