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 State’s most anticipated annual 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 ice cream 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.
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