TALENT ON SHOW
THOUSANDS of showgoers are expected to warm up the rides at the Cairns Show today ahead of tomorrow’s People’s Day.
The scent of dagwood dogs was in the air as keen carnival fans poured through the gates for the first day of the Cairns Show yesterday, but show officials say that was nothing compared to what’s yet to come.
“Everyone from the ride operators to the food stalls to the people in the pavilion have said that the first day was terrific,” Cairns Show secretarymanager Carmen Ferreria said.
“The weather hasn’t impacted us at all, so that’s been fantastic.”
She said one of the biggest drawcards for people who went through the showgrounds gates yesterday was being able to meet gardening guru Costa Georgiadis.
“He walked around the pavilion and gave a speech and he was just amazing. He was a real drawcard and one of the reasons why we think the numbers were up for the first day this year.”
Ms Ferreria said she hoped the trend would continue.
“We’re looking forward to seeing big crowds for Thursday and Friday,” she said.
“For a show to be successful it has to suit everyone, and we have something for everyone.
“This is a high-quality event for Cairns, so everyone should get behind it.”
Show steward and motherof-three Fiona Anderson said the annual event was something her and her family couldn’t get enough of.
“We used to come every year, and thought that we could give it a go, and now we’re just hooked,” she said.
“As a parent, to see your kids compete in so many activities makes you feel great, really great.”
Ms Anderson’s son James said there wasn’t a single show competition that he didn’t try his hand at.
The 15-year-old has already won prizes for his pot plants, but is waiting to hear on how his sculptures, woodworking, and cakes place.
“My mum books classes for me to do, and then the things I make in those classes go into the Cairns Show,” he said.
“After the Cairns Show I get my plants ready for the next year. I feel happy about the ribbons I’ve won for things I’ve made, it makes me feel like I can really do something well.”
For others it was all about the showbags.
Nine-year-old Amber Millington-Brewer went to the show with her little sister Milleah and said their eyes were on the prize as soon as they walked through the gates.
“We came to have fun, we were looking forward to it for the rides,” she said.
“Other kids should come to get showbags and to go on the rides. My favourite thing in my showbags is the chocolates.”
Tickets for the show are available online from trybooking.com or at the gate at the Cairns Showgrounds. Tickets for adults are $23, child tickets are $13, concession tickets are $18, family passes are $52 and three-day adult passes are $58. More pictures – page 13