Show’s ‘fancy’ option
DO you want free entry to the Gold Coast Show?
All you have to do is dress up as your favourite fictional character and the entry fee for the city’s 111th annual show will be waived.
The show is traditionally all about the rides, the food, the showbags, the animals, the craft and the people.
But this year carneys and cosplay will collide with organisers warning show-goers not to be surprised if they see a storm trooper patting a cow.
Gold Coast Show CEO Lavinia Rampino said the aim was for the show to appeal to a wider audience and engage the whole community.
“We did cosplay a few years ago and had huge support,” Ms Rampino said. “We encourage them to wear their costumes to come out and play.”
The show kicks off today on the Gold Coast Show Holiday and will continue until Sunday night.
Sunny weather with a top of 26C forecast is expected to help draw in huge crowds.
The average attendance is about 60,000 people across the three days, but organisers hope to grow this figure each year.
“It’s a community show for the Gold Coast,” Ms Rampino said.
“We give them a holiday so they can take time off to see what the local community is about. There’s lots to do ... it really is more than just rides and showbags.”
She said people coming to the show could expect a wide and varied timetable of attractions, including circus workshops for children and a laser light performance, tipped to be the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Animal attractions include a rodeo, cattle judging, poultry
show, shearing, dog shows, pig racing, camel and pony rides and even a rodent show.
Arts and crafts, photography, graphic art, drawing, mixed media, quilting, spinning and weaving, crochet and embroidery will be on display.
But it wouldn’t be a day at the show without something indulgent to eat after hours walking the showgrounds.
Buckets of fairy floss, deep fried foods on sticks, tornado chips and American lemonade are just some of the mouthwatering items on the menu.
Felicity Thomas, who looks after food and rides, said there was a lot of fun food, but gluten free, vegetarian and vegans would be catered for.
Ms Thomas said there were more than 30 rides for adrenaline junkies and arm bands to access the rides could be prepurchased online for $30.
“There are over 15 sideshow alley games for kids, big and little, with all the favourites from the laughing clowns to skill testers,” she said.
The finale each night will be a massive fireworks display with the Surfers Paradise skyline in the background at 8pm.
1. 360
If you’ve been on board the Claw but thought it was a little too tame, it’s time to try the 360. The pendulum you sit in not only spins but it twists upside down. Maybe save the hotdogs until after you’ve screamed your lungs out on this one.
2. Dodgem Cars
No visit to the show is ever complete without trying out the dodgem cars. A favourite with young and old alike, it’s time to test out your mad driving skills.
3. Water Balls
Ever wanted to walk on water? Well, now you can. Jump into one of these inflatable balls and run across huge pools of water.
4. Cha Cha
This family favourite is sure to keep mum, dads and kids happy. Sit in a booth on one of three arms alongside other cabs. Then just wait to get jolted around as your kids scream alongside you.
5. Ferris Wheel
This is the kind of ride the whole family can enjoy and do together. Not to mention the spectacular views of the hinterland and Surfers Paradise skyline.