Country and city reunited once again last month to show their love for the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).
More than 340,000 people came together over nine days (10 to 18 August) to celebrate agriculture.
The Ekka welcomed 1200 head of cattle to Australia’s biggest beef cattle competitions and hosted the largest showing of stud beef in the southern hemisphere, according to The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA).
The association said more than 20 breeds of beef cattle were displayed at Ekka this year.
RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said the support for this year’s show was inspiring as tens of thousands of Queenslanders braved the rain to attend “their” Ekka.
“Rain or shine, Queenslanders came together (over) nine days to celebrate country spirit in the city and support the state’s agricultural sector and farming communities,” Mr Christou said.
“Queenslanders are known for their resilience and I thank them for their wonderful show of support this year.
“Our competitions showcase the very best of Queensland and visitors were amazed by award-winning entries and exhibitors in cookery, creative arts, quilt making, blacksmithing, woodchopping, beef cattle, poultry, fleece breeds, canine, cats, horse and showjumping.”
Ekka 2024 – By the numbers (approximate):
– 180,000+ Dagwood Dogs eaten
– 142,000+ Strawberry Sundaes eaten
– 1500+ volunteers helped stage the Show
– 3500 + jobs created
– 420 exhibitor stands
– 32,000+ cheese toasties (two tonne of butter and four tonne of cheese)
– 180,000+ schooners of beer
– 35,000+ cans of rum
– 5200+ award-winning steaks
– 3.5 tonnes of fireworks
– 32,000 + glasses of wine
– 6000 + tasting plates of award-winning steak and lamb
– 4100m3 + of sawdust and sand used as animal bedding
– 3000 + corsages made.
