The first Ekka, formally known as The Royal Queensland Show, was held in 1876 at Bowen Park, with an estimated 15,000-17,000 people attending out of Brisbane’s population of only 20,600. Since then, EKKA has grown into a significant annual event in Queensland. The event has only been cancelled four times in its long history.
The first cancellation was due to the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1919. The following cancellation was in 1942, during World War II. Then in 2020 and 2021, due to the coronavirus. Great news, as EKKA is back this year.
From August 6 to 14, the Brisbane Showgrounds will host a variety of competitions, award-winning food and wine, world-class live entertainment, carnival rides and show bags, family shopping, educational activities, and much more. Don’t miss the following competitions.
Competitions
Animals
Various animal competitions, such as Dairy Cattle, will be held, with the Supreme Champion Dairy Cow of Show serving as the competition’s centrepiece. The Royal Queensland Show’s Pisciculture Competition brings together aquarium enthusiasts across Queensland. The breeds are amphibians, crustaceans, fighting fish, freshwater fish, exotic tropical goldfish, and aquatic plants.
Another is the Sushi Hub’s Cat Competition. Over 50 breeds of cats will be showcased and judged. In 1899, the Ekka hosted the first Sheep Dog Trials with the dogs. Catch Queensland’s best dogs at the main arena.
Agricultural
Aside from these, there will also be Agricultural competitions. The Pillow Talk-sponsored Giant Pumpkin Competition offers over $3,400 in prize money. This competition features two classes pit farmers, students, and gardeners against one another to see who can harvest the heaviest giant pumpkin. The Ekka has hosted the Woodchop and Sawing Competition for over a century. Axemen and women from all over the country compete for the same prize.
Arts, Cookery & Fashion
Cake decorating enthusiasts use their creativity to impress a panel of industry judges in the Cake Decorating Competition. The cakes will be judged based on the techniques, impact, overall presentation, and WOW factor.
The Cookery Competition is heating up as chefs prepare delectable creations ranging from sensational salted caramel patty cakes to flawless preserves. The competition also includes a live judging component, providing Ekka attendees insight into the judging processes.
The Creative Arts and Craft Competition is open to Queensland’s most creative people. Calligraphy, beading, embroidery, and knitting classes are available, as well as leatherwork, egg decorating, teddy bears, and bark pictures.
Education
The Agricultural Sciences & Student Fermented Beverages competition is fun to teach students about agriculture and the importance of producing quality products. The Student Made Cheese Competition is a fun way to teach students about the origins of their food.
Flower & Garden
Since its inception in 1876, horticulture has played an essential role in the Royal Queensland Show. The eye-catching stands are one of the competition’s main draws, with community groups, clubs, and associations competing for the Mabel Burnett Award for the Most Effective Display.
The Royal Queensland Show Floristry Competition (RQSFC), organised by The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), was created to recognise excellence in the art of floristry. The competition is open to students and floristry professionals and provides an important benchmarking opportunity for florists from Queensland and across Australia.
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