PERFECT START TO OUR SHOW
THOUSANDS of eager showgoers poured through the gates at Broadwater Parklands as the Gold Coast Show returned after a two-year Covidinflicted hiatus.
While a cloud of uncertainty at times again loomed over the event in the wake of the Ekka’s recent cancellation in Brisbane, it proved to be nothing but sunny skies and high energy for day one at Southport on Friday.
Scott, who has been attending with his partner for about 10 years, said the show had become a family tradition shared with their two youngsters, Megan, 9, and Charlie, 6.
“It’s heaps of fun. We’ve been coming since it was back at Parklands. We took the kids when they were little but even as teenagers we went ourselves,” said Scott, adding he was keen to get his hands on an iconic dagwood dog.
“It’s a great location, it’s easy to navigate and it’s really nice being next to the Broadwater. Hopefully the show can continue on like usual postCovid.”
Live performances at the main stage on Friday morning marked the show’s official opening and will be a key viewing area for fireworks displays on Saturday evening.
Some favourite attractions also made a return, including the baby-petting zoo, $10 camel rides, showbag stands and sideshow alley.
Brisbane Pony Parties and Mobile Animal Farms owner Sandy Baker said they had been introducing the public to their farm animals for 12 years.
“We love coming to the beautiful Gold Coast Show and its even better bringing a piece of the country to meet the folk from the city,” she said.
It was a 40m-high thrill ride that proved a highlight for thrillseekers, with The Beast making its second appearance in the show’s 114-year history.
The Beast is a pendulum ride that swings riders almost 40m high and 47m wide and has been billed as “the largest transportable ride to ever come to Australia”.
Sideshow alley vendor Sheree Smith said there had been a “great turnout” for opening day. “People are starting to come through, we’re hoping it’s going to remain pretty busy over the weekend,” Ms Smith said.
The show continues on Saturday and Sunday. Entry to the three-day event is free.