NEWS
After last summer’s natural disasters, Queenslanders are being urged to attend this year’s Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) to enjoy a 10 day showcase of what makes this state great.
RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunny said the state had endured much hardship and it was time to celebrate all things Queensland. “It’s been a tough year for many communities across the state, from the city to the bush,’’ he said.
“The impact of the January floods caused much heartache and devastation but also stirred communities to rally behind one another in a wonderful outpouring of civic pride and true mateship.” Mr Tunny said the Ekka was the state’s oldest, proudest and most loved community event and this year more than ever, the show was truly about bringing city and country together.
“The great community spirit and the traditions that personify the Ekka are at the heart of the show,’’ he said. “The Ekka is the people’s event, a celebration of the best of the best and a chance to come together with family and friends to enjoy an event unlike any other.”
Now in its 134th year, the 2011 Ekka features an amazing line up of show stopping entertainment including performances by Grammy and ARIA award winners, a culinary heaven including some of the nation’s finest food and wine, Australian first technology, about 23,000 competition entries, plus an amazing 10,000 animals. Mr Tunny said about 400,000 visitors are expected to attend Queensland’s biggest event, which offers families unbeatable value with more than 70 per cent of the RNA Showgrounds dedicated to free activities.
“On average, a visitor to Ekka spends seven hours at the show, which equates to about $3.50 an hour with no need to spend more, as we encourage people to bring their own food and drinks and enjoy lunch and dinner in our chill out zones.
“Combined with hundreds of free activities to choose from each day including fashion parades, concerts, competitions, food and wine sampling, free kids shows plus the two hour night time entertainment program, it’s hard to find better value.”
And show organisers are promising that the famous Ekka Strawberry Sundaes: that for more than 20 years have helped fund vital transplant research through the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. will be better than ever this year. T,he sundaes will now feature award winning hand made ice-cream from the Mammino family of Childers; 50 per cent more strawberries and all ingredients are 100 per cent Queensland grown. It’s home grown produce supporting home grown research. A great way to support Queensland farmers while making a donation to transplant research.
The Ekka at a gance
Tickets: Adult admission 15 years of age and older $25.00 Child admission 5 years of age to 14 years of age (inclusive) $15.00 Infant - no ticket required 4 years of age and under Free Concession admission Includes students, seniors, and other groups. Check accepted concession cards $19.00 Family A Two adults and two children $60.00 Family B One adult and one child $35.00 Seniors Discount only valid on Thursday 11 August and Thursday 18 August, and only with accepted Seniors Card. Check accepted Seniors Cards $15.00 Family Ride Bundle Family A pass plus a strip of 55 carnival coupons $105.00 Single Ride Bundle One adult pass plus a strip of 55 carnival coupons $67.00
Times: Ekka's gates open at 9:00am daily and close at 9:00pm. Some attractions within Ekka may finish earlier. Check the table below to make sure you don't miss out! Ekka IgNITES presented by B105 starts each night at 6:00pm in the Energex Community Arena (with the exception of opening night, Thursday 11 August). Public transport: To find the most efficient way to get to Ekka, visit TransLink to use the Journey Planner. You can also call TransLink on 13 12 30, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Trains: CityTrain arrivals and departures platforms are located in the middle of Ekka. A loop service operates between Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations. Trains leave these stations every 10 minutes from 8:20am, returning frequently until 10:00pm.
