Would you love to win a family pass to the Ekka? – competition closed
1. Tell us in the comments below what you love most about the Brisbane Exhibition!
2. provide a valid email address
3. Make sure you are fan of ours on facebook
Yes- It’s that EASY!
Terms and Conditions
We have 2 family passes to giveaway
Competition closes on Monday the 8th of August at 5pm- Winners announced by email and then posted on facebook after acknowledgement
All answers will be compiled and 2 winners decided by random.org
all entries accept that they will be send a welcome invitation to become newsletter subscribers to www.brisbanekids.com.au- all mailouts always have an unsubscribe option.
Family Passes = 2 Adults and 2 kids (kids under 5 are free anyway)
The passes are for the 2011 Brisbane Exhibition
The ticket is not refundable, transferable or replaceable if lost.
The tickets have their own T&C issued by the Ekka to which you are responsible for reading
This competition is not endorsed, run or associated with Facebook.
332 Comments on "Ekka Competition- Competition CLOSED."
We would love EVERYTHING as none of us have ever been to the ekka!!!
My first and greatest memory of going to the Ekka as a child was with my grandmother. She didn’t like heights so she would put myself and my cousin on the chair lift and follow is by running under us on the chairlift all the way to the other side of the Ekka just so she knew we were safe at the other end. I am now 41 years old and took my daughter for a ride on the chairlift for the last time before it closed last year.
hi there, i love the ekka – only problem being i have worked there the past 8 years and havent had a chance to take my children…. was so excited to be taking them this year, then had to go and break my foot 2 weeks ago, so if i won, i would love to pass this on to someone who could take my children along….. they would love it (unfortunately i would miss out on seeing thier faces tho:-(
We have just moved to brisbane and the kids have never been, i remember going as a child and being in awe of side show alley and all the rides and lights and would like my kids to experience this……
Ekka is fantastic fun for the whole family, I love the laughter and the smiles
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What i love about the Ekka? What don’t i love about the Ekka, I think that my favoritie thing would be the Strawberry Ice Creams, they take me back to my childhood.
Hi i would love to win a family pass, its our first year of living in qld and in the first few months we suffered like everyone else with the floods etc and thought about moving back to nsw but decided to stay and glad we did, we love qld and would love to be able to take the kids to The Ekka for the first time ever but cant afford it atm, please please please make my kids day and let us win a family pass!!!!!!!!
I’m a scientist and volunteer at the QIMR booth of the Royal Queensland Show National Science Week Pavilion – I love helping the little kids do science experiments and it’s great to see how passionate about science some of the older kids are already. Oh, and you can’t go past the animal boulevard and the show bag pavillion!
Going to the Ekka was a family tradition when I was young. Mum would pack sandwiches and our warm coats and we would head to the Ekka for the whole day, staying for the ringside events and fireworks. As a child I spent most of my time hiding under the seat during the fireworks. We always had our strawberry icecream and were allowed only 2 showbags (although my sisters who were older would buy me extra). We have tried take our boys each year if we can as I would love to pass this tradtion on. I love the atmosphere of the Ekka and the variety of events etc for all age groups.
What I love most is the smiles on my childrens faces when we are there as well as the showbags, pavilions and the Strawberry Ice cream. yum.
My favorite part of the Ekka has always been the smell. The smell when you first walk in the gates, that combined smell of carnival, food, and, of course, manure, it still makes me feel that thrill of excitement.
I love just about everything about the ekka. One exception is the crowds . There is so much to see and do. I really love the Strawberry Ice Creams. The show bag stands . The rides. Love the baby animals.
i have been goin to the ekka for many years with my son and it is all amazing but my sons fav is sideshow ally and the showbag pavillion no need to tell u why that is lol and my fav part is the night show u have in the main arena after spending all my money and walking around all day it is wonderfull to sit and relax and watch the amazing show u put on from the motorbikes to v8 utes to the horseman and not to forget the dairy farmers fireworks u put on a amazing display each year im in my 30s and am still in ore of the show u guys put on every year so thanks so much keep up the amazing work
I am a full time volunteer with a small non profit organisation who assists disadvantaged families. Individuals we help include women and children from abusive backgrounds; refugees and flood affected families. I would love to win tickets to the EKKA to give to one of our wonderful families who are not able to to afford to take their children.
We have never been to the EKKA! We would love to take our 3 kids who are all born Queenslanders!!! We would take them on heaps of rides, buy showbags We would definately visit the animals that would make my 20 mnth old daughter’s day! The exoerience would be memorable for the entire family.
Strawberry icecreams, dodging cow pats, dagwood dogs, baby animal farm & precision driving – My top five EKKA ‘activities’ i would love to share with my kids!
I love the Ekka favorite thing is the smell of the showbag pavilion an the excitement of everyone there.
The “country come to the city” feel, everything really!!!
The thing I would love most about a family trip to the ekka would be my children getting to see the “country come to the city”, they just love animals and the petting zoo would be a great experience for them. Oh and I’m sure they would a showbag or 2.
i love the ekka cause i remember it being a happy enjoyable place, where my parents were happy and we had so much fun as a family…
when we got our showbags that certain smell of the chocolate and lollies in the bags makes me feel like a kid again,
I want this feeling for my children and for them to remember for a life time and then enjoy the different memories with their children
My favourite thing about the EKKA is the dagwood dogs I search ALL day until I find the one with the most crispy batter!! It will be my sons first time this year as I was 8 months pregnant last year so now I get to rediscover all the areas for kids, I think this years EKKA is going to be the most fun I have had in a long time!!!
I love the strawberry icecreams, showbags, animals and rides of course. We have lived in Darwin for the last 10 years so it would be nice to see how much it has changed.
My favourite part of the EKKA is going to look at the bulls in the sheds and wandering around the rest of the animals – the kids loved it the year I took them
I love the excitement on the faces of my 2 gorgeous children!
Showbag and smiles, fun and laughter,
That’s the type of EKKA experience I’m after.
Togetherness and memories created,
Returning home feeling elated!
Although my daughters have never been, I think they would love seeing all the animals as they love going to the zoo!
What i love about the ekka is the strawberry icecreams and the show bags
I love the look on the kid’s faces; the excitement and happiness is priceless!! We’ve only been once as a family (the only time my partner has ever been) and the kids don’t really remember it that well. My parents used to take us quite often as kids – they used to save up during the year and we used to take our own lunch and drinks to make it affordable. Apart from the obvious enjoyable things like sideshow alley, show bag pavilion, fireworks, and strawberry ice creams, the other things I enjoyed (even though I complained sometimes about the smell) were the animals, wood chopping and sheep shearing…it was amazing how fast they could do it.
I’ve been pregnant or had a little baby so my husband has taken our older kids twice. The kids love the animals, rides and the show bags!
I love the EKKA because it is a great family day out!! It is a great opportunity to show my children the different types of cultures in Australia! Being able to show them the wood chopping, sheep shearing, and fresh produce which all comes from good old hard work!! Thus is a great learning experience for my kids and a great family day out!!!!!
We love the ability to go see farm animals, the free displays, see the events in the main arena, the woodcutters, eat yummy sandwiches from the sandwich shop, the plethera of showbags to choose from and most of all – the strawberry ice creams! You haven’t been to the Ekka unless you’ve had your ritual strawberry ice cream.
The Ekka for us would be a wonderful family day out where my boys would get to participate in so many wonderful hands-on learning experiences. I’d take the time to really plan the the day for the boys so that we get the most out of the activities on offer before they became too tired.Basically in a day at the Ekka is full of learning and life experiences.Where else can you take your kids to see: a lamb being born, a beef cattle ultrasound, talk to a farmer, take part in a scientific experiment, measure a horse,taste some honey straight from the hive, see giant pumpkins, plant a seed, take it home, watch it grow, judge your favourite chicken, milk a cow, discover how much energy it takes to power up your favourite games console, and the best of hand feed young animals. I’d love to take my family to experience all of the above!
I am not originally from Brisbane so have not yet been to the ekka but would love to go . I love the focus on the animals, free activities and new experiences for kids
I would love to take our 2 boys neither have been as they were both born premmie eldest @26wks and youngest @24wks with all their medical problems we just have never been able to take them we are finally to a stage where we aren’t spending 3-4 days every week @ the hospital for numerous appointments. Both the boys love animals.
What i love about the Ekka would have to be the Pavilions,(Dogs, Cakes, Fashion, Art, Woolworthes, Science) just to name a few, I also love the Rides as everyone does haha and the Showbag Pavilion. I also enjoy the Food, The Sights, The People and most of all Spending the day with my Family seeing as we are all usually so busy this is the few days we spend together.
The animals of course! My little one wants to be a vet or work with animals her favorite is the cow atm! But the produce & the entertaiment is my favorite!
We love participating in all the activities and seeing the animals!
Fingers crossed xxxx
I love the strawberry icecreams, and all the good memories from going there.
I love love love everything! I love the animals, the rides, sideshow alley and the showbags! Not to mention the food! I haven’t been to the Ekka in 10 years and have never been able to take my kids! I would LOVE to be able to share the excitement and watch the joy in their faces! I haven’t decided yet if we will be able to afford to take them this year as I I have a lot of medical bills at the moment
But will try everything I can to get them there!
We took our 3 children to the Ekka last year for the first time. It was one of the most magical days we’ve shared with our children. I understand the excitement and thrill about going now. We were there all day and didn’t even go on one ride. We were far too busy and instead spent the day with the animals, shows, food, showbags and then fireworks. What an experience! Only letdown is that it’s so expensive. Would we love to win tickets? You bet. What is the best thing about the Ekka? I can’t answer that because the entire day was so incredibly memorable. I guess, if I had to give an answer, then it was the look on my children’s faces, unforgettable!
I love the ekka for the animal nursery makes my kids so happy!!!
My first EKKA when I was little I got one of those goldfish in a bag… I called it Frank. It was an awesome fish. I’d love for my little girl to have great ‘first EKKA’ memories too! PS the Firemen handing out their charity calendars are a bonus!
I love the fact that the EKKA is the best place for a family day out! We all love the strawberry icecreams, baby animals, fashion parades, concerts, fireworks & of course…..sideshow alley!!!
The baby animals – so cute!!!
The food for sure!!! Strawberry ice creams, cheese toasties, dagwood dogs, fresh lemonade…. mmmmmmmmmmmm I love the Ekka!
Firstly, I love the anticipation. For weeks before the Ekka arrives, I think about it every day and imagine all the things I’m going to do. This year I am extra excited because we’re planning on taking our 18-month old daughter along for the very first time. She just loves animals and I hope that she will be blown away by seeing all the creatures she has only seen soft toys or illustrations of in real life before her very eyes! We’ll also take her on the carousel and ferris wheel – her very first rides. I love learning new things about random stuff, like bromeliads, bananas or bees and I love the treats, especially dagwood dogs and strawberry ice creams, that I don’t eat in any other context!
The thing I love most about the EKKA are the memories of when I went as achild with my parents and now passing that on to my daughter.Our day at the EKKA was the most exciting day ever.From being conveniently sick around 12 oclock that day at school and getting picked up by my parents to head off to the show where the remainder of the day was mapped out right down to woodchop at 5pm then dinner and moving over to the arena for the main events.We now have the chance to make those memories and new ones with our daughter too.THE EKKA-ALWAYS IMPROVING BUT NEVER CHANGING!!!!
i moved to brisbane 2 years ago and have never been able to get there would love to be able to take my family for a special day and excitement.
It would have to be the strawberry icecreams for me and the petting zoo for the kids!! I haven’t been since I was 12!!
I love that u can become a kid all over again, my Kids have seen fireworks once and their faces where priceless so I would love them to see the Ekka fireworks!
I’ve never taken my own children, but we are planning to this year. I can’t wait for them to discover the amazement and joy at the animals and displays, and the sheer exhileration such a large show brings. I remember my own childhood memories of fun and laughter and want to have the same. And of course strawberry ice creams – the essence of the Ekka.
I love everything about the Ekka. I especially love that I can share this experience with my daughter and now my son as well
And don’t forget everyone loves a strawberry ice-cream and showbags!!
Hi…For me there is so much i love about the ekka as it brings so many memories back for me.We would go with my mum and nana and always had a system to our day.Same one every year.We would start with the dogs ,fruit ect.Then we would look at the craft.I loved the cake decorating.Then followed by side show alley always buying the Hans Cheerios just under the train over pass on our way down.Always the ferris wheel.Always wanted a gold fish but never got one.Then off to the show bags,leaving with so much.Back then it was samples bags filled with samples of products and off course a dolly on a stick.Then off to the main arena for night time program alway sitting in the Ned Hanlen stand .The day was always topped off with the holden cars and fire works.
Now i do it exactley the same with my boys…same order and you know what ..I LOVE IT JUST AS MUCH
We have just moved here from the UK and have never been to EKKA but love the fact that we get a holiday from work to go!
I love the Ekka, we wait all year around for it and have been every year for the past 20 years. Now my twins are old enough to enjoy it, we make an entire day of it! Favourites are of course Showbags, great little exhibits that you don’t get to see everyday, stinky animals and the Ferris wheel. BUT THE BEST THING ABOUT HE EKKA IS THE DAGWOOD DOGS . YUMMO!
Just had baby boy no. 3, who is the first true queenslander of the family . Would love to take us all for a great day out the Ekka
I have only been to the Ekka once in my life. I would love to take my 4 kids (and hubby) to see the animals, fireworks, by them a showbag each and watch their little eye’s light up as they try to decide which ride to go on 1st. I think it would be a day filled with great memories, photo’s and stories we would enjoy for many many years to come.
We have never been & I would live to take our 3 beautiful kids & enjoy watching their excitement! Oh & get a fix of fairy floss!
when i was a kid i loved playing the sideshow alley games with my dad, but now with my two children I’m more excited about taking them to the animal nursery for their first ekka experience.
We take the kids every year and I went as a kid too!! We mark our showbags and plan our day the night before. The atmosphere is great, so are the strawberry icecreams, the butter board, the rides and the pavilions…
It’s name is easy to spell – EKKA!!!
I love the ekka so much that i have been every year of my life. As much as i Love the ekka and dont want to miss it we are thinking this year that we will not be able to make it just to finances. Please help me pass on the tradition of going to the ekka every year to my children.
The strawberry ice creams, the animals and the way my son’s face lights up when we get off the train at the Ekka!
We moved to QLD exactly a year ago and have never been to EKKA, we would really love to go!!
Everything!! – It is such a great day out for the family in the fresh air seeing the animals, watching the woodchop, eating fresh strawberries from the fruit pavillion…etc..etc.. All the things that you can only experience once a year at the EKKA.
I just LOOOVVVEEE the ekka. The best part for me is that your entry price just about covers everything, you really don’t need to spend another cent if you don’t want to. You can pack a picnic lunch, keep clear of showbags and rides and the rest is free. My daughter loves the animal nursery and walking through all the animal pavilions. Its a tradition that we go every year.
I love the fact that with a 5 year old son I get to relive all the great memories of the Ekka from when I was young. The excitement starts with the train ride into the Ekka and continues all day, until our bodies are so tired from experiencing everything there is and we realise it’s time to head home.
My son can’t wait til the Ekka starts, and neither can I. Love it!!
PS, the other thing I love about the Ekka is the name….. The Ekka!!
After a day in the August sun, rugging up and heading to the Grandstand as the sun goes down, eating chicken & chips then going through the showbags while watching the entertainment as the excitement builds to the FIREWORKS!! One of the few things in Brisbane that I did as a child and can relive every year, now with my little ones!!
I am originally from Sydney & have lived in Brisbane for 3 years now & have NEVER been to the EKKA.
I would Love to go but with 2 small kids now we just cant afford to.
I love the Ekka because of the Strawberry sundaes, the showbags and the entertainment their is always something to do or see. The look on my daughters face while she is their is priceless.
I love all things Ekka! Especially the Show bags, Rides in side show alley, Cotton & Wool Fashion Parades, Baby animal farm, Strawberry icecreams, V8′s precision driving & Fireworks to top it all off!
This year we hope to take our 18mth old son along to enjoy it with us
I still can’t go past the showbags! Used to spend hours hunched over the newspaper with a highlighter as a kid, deciding which bag was the best. Bertie Beetle bags are still one of my favourite, because they have kept their status as the cheapest bag at the Ekka for all these years
I always loved the Wool Pavillion fashions, but that was years ago! Hoping to take my children for the first time this year and rediscover the Ekka for myself in the process.
It has been probably 19 years since I visited the Ekka. Now as a mum, I would love to share the excitement with my son. It would blow his mind! All those years ago when I did go to the Ekka, I always enjoyed the section where students submitted their handwriting. It was always my dream to win First Place!
Studying the ekka show bag list from the paper like it was a racing form guide for a week prior to the day. Spending every last cent according to my budget plan. Watching my sister inhale all her showbag contents in one day, as I savour mine. Walking through the cattle and horse pavilions amazed by their size but scared out of my mind. Hiding in the campervan displays in the evenings with my friends as a teenager
The concert – the last one with NOISEWORKS (the only one I was allowed to go and see on my own) The fireworks. And travelling home on the last train like a pack of sardines with a bunch of happy and tired people.
What I love about the EKKA?..strawberry sundae for sure, can’t wait to taste the new version thus year. Oh & sitting with the whole family to watch stunt drivers & fireworks..definatly brings back childhood memories for me & I want my kid to have that same feeling one day <3
I love the cow and animal pavillions because it gives us city folk our annual taste of the country…
I’ve never been to the Ekka, so I think I deserve the free tickets!
Such a hard question – just one thing……..Mmmmm would have to be the fireworks!!!!!! RED, BLUE, etc. i would love to take my family to experience what I did as a young child.
My favourite part of the Ekka, has to be the agricultural parades and displays in the main arena. I love the horses and the cows, I also love the night time entertainment. I love the dog, cat, bird, pig, goat, cow and horse displays, and if I find time I even get to the aquarium set up competitions! I am looking forward to taking our girls (2.5 and almost 5) to the Ekka for the first time this year, as I feel they will finally be old enough to both appreciate it. :0) Luckily for me, they love animals too! ~ Jade.
We love everything about the EKKA but NOT the admission price! I’m not just saying that to be a sooky la la and get free tickets…ok, I kinda am
What I love about the Ekka is that is it a great family day. Last year I took my daughter, 2 nephews and neice and it was the most amazing day. All children got along no fighting at all. It was one of those days you only dream about lol. It is a day I would love to have every year.
Bustling people with smiling faces
Ring events entertaining for hours on end
In the grandstand to watch the woodchop
Strawberry icecreams with cream on top
Baby animal farm bringing squeals of delight
Armfulls of showbags holding treasures abound
Now to see the dog judging
Eating Dagwood dogs and fairy floss
Excitement of sideshow alley
Keeping warm from the telling Ekka winds
Kids sleepy eyes with tired smiled
After dark the fireworks light the night sky.
B ustling people with smiling faces
R ing events entertaining for hours on end
I n the grandstand to watch the woodchop
S trawberry icecreams with cream on top
B aby animal farm bringing squeals of delight
A rmfulls of showbags holding treasures abound
N ow to see the dog judging
E ating Dagwood dogs and fairy floss
E xcitement of sideshow alley
K eeping warm from the telling Ekka winds
K idssleepy eyes with tired smiles
A fter dark the fireworks light the night sky.
How can one decide on what one loves most about the Ekka? The Ekka for our family is a culmination of sights, scents and sounds that blend together to make a magical, annual, celebration. It is the dagwood dogs, the noise, the crowds, the agriculture, the cow poo, the cock a doodle doos, the music, the fireworks, the hans cheerios, the wood chopping, the strawberry ice creams, the parades, the dogs, the crafts, ham sandwiches from the butter board.. It is the enjoyment that comes from experiencing all of this only once a year. It builds anticipation, excitement, and community…all rolled into one! Bring on the Ekka!
Has to be the monster trucks and motorbikes! My boys go wild.
The most favourite part I like about the Ekka, is enjoying the kids smiles as we walk around the RNA, as they have the maps and lead the way!! They absolutely love it and I love to see the happiness that is on their faces the whole day from the time it opens in the morning till night-time at the fireworks!!!! LOVE IT!!
I love the ekka. So many memories of going there with family and friends in years gone by. It makes my heart glad to see the looks on the kids faces as they enjoy the different experiences provided by the ekka. Milking cows, Fireworks, wood chopping, watching the horse parades and SHOWBAGS! Just to name a few. The combination of all these things and many more (strawberry sundaes, fairy floss, and rides etc) that make the ekka SO SPECIAL.
I LOVE THE EKKA BECAUSE I TAKE MY 2 GIRLS AND THERE FACES JUST LIGHTS WHEN THEY SEE ALL THE BABY ANIMALS AND WATCHING THE SHEEP GIVE BIRTH TO THEIR BABIES AND OF AS WELL THEY LOVE THERE SHOW BAGS
The whole EKKA-perience!!!!
I have not been to the Ekka since 1992. The year my father passed. It was something my dad loved doing taking the day off work and watch us children laugh and cry (scared out of our brains on rides) It was the only time I knew Dad would be with us through the year because he worked so hard everyday and boy did he spoil us….one year mum and I had to wait at the entrance because we bought so many showbags for kids in the area that had never been….Dad and Mum worked tirelessly for Rotary and the Lions Club charities. I would love to take my son and give him a day that I shared with my Dad but due to financial circumstances I can’t. I would love to take my son to show him the animal pavilion, the fireworks, sideshow alley and the showbag pavilion….Good Luck to all
I love the night show in the arena and looking at all the animals. Love to collect the eggs in the chicken area with my kids. I also love the atmosphere.
We went last year with our then two year old. It was my partner’s first time as he has lived his whole life out west. They both loved everything about the Ekka. It bring backs lots of memories for me going with my family when I was young. We now would like to take our other son so he can experience his first ekka.
the animals, rides and strawberry sundaes
i have only been once though and have never taken my kids. i would love to take them this year. they would love it 
I LOVE the baby animals, rides, show bags, cake decorating and strawberry sundaes! Def. some of my best childhood memories! Id love love love to take my baby girl as she is mad about animals and squeals with laughter every time she sees one. The Ekka would be a blast with her.
I remember almost 35 years ago
to that very first time that I found
an amazing fantasy wonderland
as I looked out over the grounds
There were giant dagwood dogs
Atop of big caravans
and mums and dads and kids all round
all holding each other’s hands
There were weird machines with lights and bells
that whizzed passed almost unseen
and the faces of all the people aboard
were often red,white or green!
There were bulls that seemed bigger than elephants
“Watchout” one farmer did yell
But it wasn’t the bull he was warning about
but the splat of the next thing that fell
There were clowns that seemed to be crossing the road
as they kept looking left and then right
and Daddy’s were shooting these poor yellow ducks
Those ducks must have got such a fright
There were bags full of treats and surprises
Mum let me pick one for myself
Then the man who was selling them to us
let me pick one more toy off the shelf
Just before we went home all weary
from this day better than I could dream
we topped it off with some strawberries
buried inside a yummy ice-cream
This year when I go to the Ekka
my favourite thing by a mile
will be to relive those wonderous times
but now, through the eyes of my child
Danielle Gleeson, August, 2011
I love that it remains largely unchanged so the things you remember from childhood are still there. Great to take the little ones to see the baby animals and eat the strawberry ice-cream!
I’ve never been to the EKKA but I would LOVE to check it out. I moved up here from Melbourne last year and I need to find out what this EKKA that everyone talks about is actually like!
I love everything about it, being from overseas and only recently moved to Brisbane, it’s an amazing event. My 7 year old loves the climbing wall and my 4 year old loves the animal farm.
It’s something magical, a magical day out with the whole family. We can’t afford taking the boys, we only did 1 year as we’re having some financial hardships (as probably everyone at the moment) so winning a family pass would certainly help and make my sons day.
My eldest goes every year with school, my youngest is at special school so they don’t get to go. Hubby and I have never been able to justify the cost, so having moved to Qld as adults we’ve never been and feel like we’re missing a part of what it is to be a Brisbanite! We would love the chance to go and see what it is that gets our eldest child – and the rest of Brisbane – so excited about the Ekka every year
My eldest goes every year with school, my youngest is at special school so they don’t get to go. Hubby and I have never been able to justify the cost, so having moved to Qld as adults we’ve never been and feel like we’re missing a part of what it is to be a Brisbanite! We would love the chance to go as a whole family and discover what it is that gets our eldest child – and the rest of Brisbane – so excited about the Ekka every year
I love the memories I have going to the Ekka as a small child with my family and the excitement of the fireworks, dagwood dogs and animals – I can’t wait to take my nearly two-year-old daughter this year to start creating the same beloved family memories for her!
I love the woodchopping, the bustling family atmosphere and finishing off an epic day with icecreams and fireworks!
When I was a kid, my older siblings used to pay me out because I would count down to the Ekka from about 100 days out. Even though the showbag list wasn’t released until a couple of weeks before, I’d start allocating my $20 months out, writing & rewriting it over and over again until I finally got the list and did it for real! So I would say the showbags, without doubt are my favourite thing about the Ekka closely followed by a Dagwood Dog with tomato sauce dripping down my chin!!!
E: Ecstatic kids; Exhilarating rides; Enthralling Exhibits; Energex Community Arena; Education on Show; Entertainment; Etc!
K: Kountry comes to the city; Kreativity; Kronosaurus Korner; Kooky Karacters; Kooking demonstrations; Kweensland!!
K: Kids, Kows, Kats and all sorts of Kountry Kreatures!
A: Animal Boulevard; Animal Arena; Absolutely Australian; Amazing family fun!
Ekka: it’s simply marvellous, and it really is Magic Every Time!
I would love to win these tickets as I have three children aged 2/4/8, due to financial restrictions we have never been able to attend the ekka, it would be great to see what it is all about and hopefully the kids will get to experience a day filled with fun.
Congratulations Sophie!!! You have won a family pass to the 2011 Ekka- We are so happy you entered and so happy we could give you a gift of a great day out for the whole family!!! The pass is for 2 adults and 2 children (though kids under 5 are free anyway)
Sorry about the late notification but one of the other winners pulled out due to illness and generously suggested a redraw- so it is meant to be
We need your address and will send out the tickets as soon as we have that reply.
Once again- congrats and we would love you to post on the wall how your days was when you have been!
please email us your address from the above email to info@brisbanekids.com.au xx
The anticipation that you feel on the lead up, feeling like a big kid for the day, the food, show bags and fireworks! love it all!
i have not been to the ekka since i have had my children, and I would love to take them. We live 3 hrs away and come and visit brisbane all the time especially around when ekka is on. I would love to show them all the fun and excitement they could have, that I once enjoyed as a child. If i won I would love to show my children all the animals, take them on the rides and spoil them with dagwood dogs and fairy floss.
I’ve loved queuing up for a strawberry ice cream from the ladies in white ‘shower hats’ ever since I was a little girl!
The EKKA has been a favourite for me for years. I’ve worked there with harness racing horses and just loved it. I also used to work there for a while, with my husband, turning the tower lights on and off and helping the boys up in the towers with the spotlights. I just love the chariot racers, and the animal pavillions. Can’t wait to take my 2 year old there this year!
The trashy glitz, the chairlift, the fairy floss, the animal nursery, the fireworks and some of the arena programs. We’ve never taken our dc, but would love to treat them to a day out at the Ekka.
i reaaly do love the ekka! i love going with my family and looking at the animals then going with my brother and my dad to watch the wood chop then spending a few hours at side show ally. i also love seeing all the fruit displays and the live shows in the arena. my family would love to go to the ekka and be able to eat all the dagwood dogs and the hot chips and that amazing strawberry ice cream. because we love our city brisbane and its EKKA, ohh and all those show bags
i love the rides
We have four children and there is something for everyone. My husbane loves the Main Arena and the shows, I love walking around and visiting all the animals and the kids love the rides, the show bags, the animal nursery and visiing the animals. The EKKA was such a huge part of my childhood where I would spend months saving to go and crossing off the days till it came in a little notebook. I love sharing the excitement and joy with my family.
The strawberry icecreams and the showbags were my favourite!
Our family has never been to the Ekka but we’re looking forward to the animals and the Science pavilion. As a child I loved the Easter show in Sydney so I would love for my children to experience the fun too.
The things we LOVE about the Ekka is the farmyard animals, seeing all the baby farm animals, my stepdaughter loves it! Also, eating a dagwood dog, while browsing sideshow alley and finishing off by eating a strawberry icecream while watching the woodchopping and then rugging up together to keep warm and watching the fireworks from the big concrete stands while scoffing our showbag lollies!!!
What I love most about the Brisbane Exhibition is all the familiar smells that bring back my most happiest memories! The smell of dagwood dogs and corn on a cob as you walk past side show alley, the individual smells of the animals as you go see all the cows, goats and horses in their pavilions, the sweet smells of lollies and showbags as you go to the showbag pavilion, and at night the crisp smell of cold air as the sun goes down and the arena fills up with the warmth of families, that are all there for the same reason, to have a wonderful day out with their loved ones and show their respect and loyalty to this wonderful Brisbane tradition.
Loved taking our 3 year old to the Ekka last year, he was so overwhelmed and excited!! He was a little young and short hehe to enjoy some of the rides, were hoping to take him this year more to enjoy!!
Looking forward to the revamped Strawberry Icecreams to!!
this will my first year as a single father and the first time my kids will be going to the ekka. I can’t wait to see the joy and excitement on their faces and it also gives me a great excuse to act like a little kid again with them
I love the animals, dagewood dogs and strawberry ice creams. In my whole life I have only ever missed out on the ekka once. It is even more fun that I have children to take.
I love creating new memories. I love passing memories from generation to generation.
i love the showbags and the pavilions that is the best things about the ekka.i also love the sideshow alley and the nighttime entertainment.i would love to take my 5 yr old son as he is getting older and he will enjoy it more this year
Love how you can go for hours and hours and really don’t have to spend all that much money. Love the Woodchopping arena, all the different pavillions, the main arena, the fireworks. Just love the atmosphere of it all.
Definately love the strawberry ice creams! My children are yet to experience the ekka and it has been years sonce my hubby and I have been, so would be great to be able to go to give our children the experience as well! I think they will love it!! Especially the rides!
We LOVE to look at and the smell of the COWS/BABY ANIMALS and the fresh chopped wood from WOOD CHOPPING ARENA.
All the things that the city kids LOVE to see from the country
I’m not sure what I love most about the Ekka as I’ve lived in Brisbane for 13 years and never been! Now that my daughter is 2, I’d love to start family tradition of going every year.
With a large family its often difficult to get everyone together at the same time to do a “family outing”.
The ekka is always a certainty. We all go together and each of us have our fav pavillions so we make it a must for everyone to visit each of the fav pavillions together then we can all go our seperate ways, kids usually to sideshow alley. We then meet up again to watch the night entertainment and fireworks as a family before heading home.
Last time I took the kids to a local show in North Queensland (not been to the ekka) years ago they absolutely loved watching the wood choppers and sitting ringside watching the events. THey loved the rides also but it amazed me they wanted to spend more time looking at the displays of home made crafts and art. We havent been on a family outing like that for the past 2 years. Would love to take them again….when they smile it makes my day
Dagwood dogs, strawberry ice creams, fairy floss. Then there is the show bags, rides, animals, fireworks. I love everything about the Ekka!! And so do my kids.
my mother is coming up from SA and I would love to share the Ekka experience with our family 2011.
I love the baby animals the most! Especially the little sheep and calves and i can’t wait to share this experience with my 5 year old daughter!
We have only moved to Brisbane recently from Adelaide and before that South Africa. I would love to take the kids there, knowing it would be safe to go. My fondest memory as a child going to one of the Country shows in South Africa is the candy floss on a very large stick, it was almost taller than myself. I remember my excitement when I saw the rides. Everything looked so big and exciting. My mom always had the same game plan. We walk through all the exhibitions first and then we could go to the rides and the ghost house. It was such a long night to wait for the rides. At the end of the night I was so tired, I fell asleep and my Dad had to carry me to the car. That still brings a smile to my face.
I love everything but most of all the strawberry ice cream :0) seeing my kids faces light up, the showbags & rides! they are very excited about going!
The animals!! I am a animal lover and so are my two children and would love to take them to see all the farm animals that are at the ekka
I love the Ekka because of all the wonderful memories as a kid. The rides, showbags and food keep a kids head spinning in circles for hours. Being able to take my kids is the greatest feeling, knowing just how much they will enjoy it before you even get in the door. The Ekka is truely a family event and there is something there for everyone.
I would love to take my two little children, but are unable to due to lack of funds. My eldest is starting to understand things and is at a great age to be exposed to all the sights and sounds of the EKKA. If we won this prize it would make for a very happy little family!
Has been a very long time since i went to the ekka… my favorite things as a kid were seeing all the animals, eating Dagwood dogs and Bertie beetle showbags.
The events in the main arena, particularly the Holden Precision Driving Team and giving the locals a go in dancing etc.
A family favouite is the baby animals, I think it gives everyone a chance to chill for a little bit and just pet the animals. Mr almost two is obssessed with animals atm… though to him they all say “fffff fffff” (woof woof)
Been telling my boys “we’ll go to the ekka – next year” for the past 4 years. Hmmm…. not sure I can get away with it again. I have always loved the ekka I love the atmosphere and the memories. I’d love my kids to make their own memories too!
We love love Love the strawberry ice creams and the big slippery dip for the kids and always win at the poker game (rolling the balls down) every year. ;-D
The best thing about the Ekka is seeing the pure joy on my kids faces, NOTHING is more wonderful than that, ok, well, maybe the strawberry ekka icecreams!! YUMMMM
As I am an expat Canadian I don’t have any childhood memories of the Ekka but the first time that I went I loved it. The real sense of country coming to the city is fantastic and I loved seeing a sheep sheared for the first time. I have 2 small children (4yrs & 2yrs) and we haven’t yet taken them to the Ekka. I am looking forward to going this year and starting the Ekka yearly tradition with my family.
Sideshow Alley all lit up at night!
My Husband works in the mines in W.A,so I am practically a single Mum caring for our three beautiful kids Henry 2 Stirling 3 and Emily 8.
It is a continous challenge aiming to find things for us to do as a Family
It would be an honour and an adventure to be given the opoortunity to take the kids to the Ekka.
We have never been before and it would be amazing to introduce the kids to Farm animals, find some kiddy rides in the infamous side show ally and find all of us a great showbag each.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter!
Ria Henry Stirling and Emily
I love the crowds, the noise, the fun. Showbags and animals. I love dragging the kids through all the animals first, then the different shows, then just before nighttime fireworks, we go buy showbags. Great day out.
I’ve never been to the Ekka cause we’re sadly not native QLD’ers. Wish we were but from what I see it reminds me of a big version of the country shows of my childhood.
Lots of trashy glam and shine. Loud squeals of delight from kids and adults alike filling the air. The smell of that shocking food that somehow tastes oh so good when you’re there. Hussle bussle and excitment. Good family fun.
EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! That’s all I have been hearing for the past 2 weeks!!!!!
BRISBANE HAS GORN EKKA MAD!!!!!!
My family moved to QLD in January so we have never been to EKKA before. We would love to
see what it is all about. Then next year we can go CRAZY for EKKA aswell
BRISBANE HAS GORN EKKA MAD!!!!!! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA! EKKA!
*gone*
As a child my husband grew up in Brisbane and went to the Ekka on a few occasions with his family. Now a parent himself and having recently moved back to SEQ after 25 years away in NQ, he would love to share in the excitement that the EKKA brings to a family (and the city). Together, with his wife (me) and DD6 and DD4, he looks forward to showing us through exhibits, the animals, the show arena (including the wood chopping!!!), side show ally and probably most importantly for the kids… the show bags and “food” stalls (oh, dagwood dogs and these strawberry Ice-creams I keep reading about) – and there is probably so many more amazing things to see and do, that we are yet to discover. He says it is something you have to experience yourself to appreciate the amazement of EKKA!!!! We can’t wait – and neither can he
Just love seeing my boys’ faces when they cuddle a young chick, ride the merry-go-rounds and when they open the “Cars” or “Toy Story” showbags. I also love seeing them falling asleep on the train ride home.
I love all the bright colours everywhere and all the happy faces! And the food of course!
weve never been to an Ekka as it would cost too much to go as we have 4 kids, it would be awsum to show them real Brissy fun!!!!!
I love the buzzing atmosphere it creates! Love the Ekka even though our family have only been once.
I love the EKKA because it is the only place in brisbane that hasn’t changed over the years. Makes me feel like a kid again!!
It’s that time again, where I get nagged! (lol). We would love to go and show the kids the fireworks, rides, animals, exhibitions and the showbags, but with 4 kids and on one wage it’s not affordable to do. It would be a great experience for the kids and I am running out of excuses as to why we can’t keep going!!
what is there not to love about the ekka – my must haves are at least one dagwood dog (ok probably two at least) , at least one strawberry ice cream (ok probably two at least) and not to mention grab at least one show bag (ok probably grabs loads more than one) and just walking around and sucking up the atmosphere – just love it!!!!!! as soon as i get within ear shot of the ekka i just turn into a big kid for the day and must also finish the whole day off with an evening watching the ring events and gasping over the fireworks (red, blue no red, red ohhhhh that was a green one ohhhhhh how pretty -)…….can not wait
I have been living away from Brisbane for the last 6 years, and I am really looking forward to taking my kids there for the first time since they were 3 and 2, my youngest has never been…. I really want to take them on the Ski Lift to look over the whole Ekka, and for them to also try the strawberry ice-creams… YUM!
We have never experienced the ekka. Would love to experience it for the first time with our 3 beautiful kids. My wonderful hubby works full time all year round with out a complaint to gve us the best he can but unfortunately outtings like this are out of the question. Would super duper love to win a pass to have a great family day out shared with the rest of lovely brisbane people.
The showbag alley & dagwood dogs are my earliest memories of the ekka. We would get $20 to buy what showbags we wanted then we would get home & swap toys & lollies.
My favourite part of the Ekka is the baby animals and the fresh food pavilion!
This year I think everyone is feeling the pinch. Every one is very careful with hour they spend their money and to be honest to get into the ekka is quite expensive. Most people caren’t afford it. But once you get in there your money is well spent. if only people could relise that.
Yeah I think everyone wants to win tickets
My fav things are strawberry ice creams, showbags rides, dolls on a stick and walking through the farm house where all the cattle and horses are. The best thing of all is the night time shows and the fire works.
My favourite part of the ekka is the fireman calanders
not so much hubbys…just spending time with my beautiful family and having my girls faces light up, that’s the best part about the ekka and going home broke with sore feet 
We love the smell of the hay and cow poo in the livestock exhibition. And we love working out how to spend $20 on showbags when there are so many to choose from.
i love that my kids think it’s just amazing, the same way I felt when I was a kid!
At Ekka time we love show bag alley, chocolate strawberries, fairy floss. We are a large family. Two adults and 5 kids so ekka time is very expensive for us as you can imagine. We have not been for a while and would love to go this year. Winning a family pass would definetly help our budget. Its nice to see all the farm animals and pet the baby farm animals. I love to visit the dog show. Lastly its lovely to snuggle up with a blanket and my family to watch the fire works. The kids all fall asleep on the way home and talk about it for weeks.
I love all of the smells, the frenetic bustle of people, the lights once the sun goes down, the unashamedly country people visiting the big smoke, the lifesavers selling lucky ticket, the delicious strawberry icecreams, the train ride home with my 4 weary happy kids….gee I think I just love everything about Ekka time!
I love the EKKA so much!! I love the rides and show bags mainly and would do anything to win tickets to the EKKA!!!!!! Every year I have a countdown on my calander for the EKKA and when the time comes I get sooooo excited!!!
I love the atmosphere that the ekka has. And now that my son is at the age to appreciate the animal pavilion etc it’s great fun just to see his excitment.
My 5 kids range between 1yr to 14yrs and none of them have ever been to the Ekka – just have never been able to afford it. This year we have managed to scrape together all our spare change to give the kids to spend on a couple of showbags. Tickets would really help us out and allow our kids and my husband (who is from NSW) to see just how awesome the Ekka is. I haven’t been myself for over 20 years! I can’t wait for the kids to experience everything… dagwood dogs, strawberry icecreams, sideshow alley, the rides, the animals, the fashion parades, the cooking displays, everything – it will be awesome to finally enable them to experience it all.
What I love most about the ekka are te strawberry ice creams…. The sweet fresh strawberries and that mouth wateringly delicious ice-cream…. What’s not to love! Taking out daughter for the first tine this year and I know she is going to fall in live with them too
Hi
I would love to take my 2 boys this year as they have never been and I know they will LOVE it as much as there mummy does;) thanks xx
My husband and I don’t often get time together, with him working long hours, so to win tickets would give me a plausible excuse to “make” him leave his work phone and computer alone and join me and the kids in a relaxing stress-free day together
I love tasting the local produce, seeing our Australian cattle, and being proud of what Australia can produce and seeing Aussies been proud to present what they can offer to Australia at ekka. Where else can you go to see and taste and try all the variety of things on offer by Australians?
Oh my godness where to start???? I love the animals, the arena events, the showbags and strawberry icecreams of course. It is a place where so much is happening and I can say not a year goes by when I do not attend. I have loved it so much that when I was youger I even took a job there so I could soak up the atmosphere nto once but two years inn a row even though it was min pay. I could not imagine ever not going and even better now I have many keen neices and nephews to drag along to everything so they to can join in my tradition
honestly; I just love it because my two and three year old love it. Their faces and their excitement and awe make it all worthwhile!
I remember going to the Ekka when I was a kid- show bags were made from paper & the strawberry ice creams were to die for!! I loved the dollys on the stick & also bringing home a gold fish for fun!!!! The animals were my favorite though especially the dogs and cats & birds!!!! My kids love the Ekka just as much as I did & I’d love to take them again as we haven’t been for over 3 years!!!
I love going to the Ekka and spending a day out with my family! We don’t often go out together, but the ekka is the one time when we do. I remember eating my first dagwood dog about 4 years ago, and ever since I have LOVED them! can’t wait…. <3 Thank you mummy for always taking me
visiting the Ekka for the first time in 2009 just 2 months after being diagnosed with breast cancer. With 2 young children, a baby and drainage bag from my mastectomy we lost ourselves in the delights of the animal shows, the petting shed, snacking on $1 cheese toasties and my husband and I cheering our hearts out as our 2 + 4 year olds won their egg + spoon races. 4 hours of bliss that certainly took our minds off the reality of our situation and the journey ahead.
My memory as a child was all of the animals there and side show ally, along with all the new noises that could me heard every were. i want to to take my daughter who has just turned 5 to experiance the excitment and joy that i got to experiance as a child. It is like no other experiance
Where do I start? I love the strawberry ice creams, animal nursery and the farm animals, flowers, fruit displays, oh and the show bags, fashion parades….mmmmm ham sandwiches and ice coffee, dagwood dogs and the stunt cars and of course the fireworks. Oh and I nearly forgot the showbags how could I forget the showbags!! I just love everything about the EKKA!!
can’t wait!!!
the last time i went was about 6yrs ago my twin boys were 12mths old, now have two extra kids n i’m sure we would enjoy every little thing. especially the strawberry ice-cream.yummy!
I love the atmosphere! The people are all so excited to be there and there are smiling kids everywhere you go. Living in the city it gives me the opportunity to show my little girl a bit of the country life and see all the gorgeous animals that are there. We have gone every year since she was born and wouldn’t miss it!! This will be our 5th year and it would be fab to get the free family pass so we have more money to spend on showbags!!!
My favourite is The Ekka at night, rugged up against brisbane’s cold august westerlies, the dazzling lights of Sideshow alley, the empty stinky corridors of sleepy prize animals, and the alluring drag of the excitement at the ring, formation driving and then the moment arrives….green! No, blue! Red!! Green! No place in the world loves their fireworks more then brisbane!
I love the Ekka because it’s a great family tradition. Strawberry ice cream, fashion parades, show bags, sideshow alley and animals galore. What a fantastic pass time to give to my twins.
My son has never been and I would love to introduce him to the strawberry ice cream and the animals, esp the petting farm. I love the buzz and the look of excitement and awe on the childrens faces.
Strawberry ice creams, dagwood dogs & all the animal pavillions.
The food, Dagwood dogs, strawberry ice creams, junk food yeah!
Hello,
I would love to take my 2 girls to the Ekka,Luv showbag pavillion & the Famous strawberry ice cream xoxoxo My younger daughter when asked if she wants to go to the ekka this year asked “Is that a Farm” lol.
Would greatly appreciate winning tix for the Ekka
Thank u ,
Mina
I haven’t been to the Ekka since I was about 18 and I’m now 31. The thing I always loved most was the baby animal nursery and the Myer fashion parades. Oh, and the week of looking through show bags from the newspaper and changing my mind about a hundred times of what I would get. It was a real family event every year that we looked forward to. I have a 12 and a 4 year old who haven’t been to the Ekka yet, neither has my husband. Every year Ekka comes around I share my old Ekka stories. It would be great to be able to take them and show them what I’m talking about.
The whole atmosphere is so festive..the animals, the food, the entertainment, the showbags and of course the rides! Haven’t managed to take the kids yet, but am planning on this year being their first and of course – one to remember!
I love the electrifying atmosphere and excitement. The traditional strawberry ice-creams, showbags, exhibitions and sideshow alley all hold a memorable experience for the whole family!
Love the showbag. Kids are on the Internet as soon as they can working out which ones the can get… Lol…
Love everything but the best is the main arena.. Motorbike,monster trucks we love it. Get dinner and kick back to watch the fun.Thanks for this chance to win xo
E – is for the excellent fun you have at the ekka
K – is for the “all kinda” things you can do at the ekka
K – is for the konecctions you can make with the folks from the country
A – is for the AWESOME TIME you will have!
Showbags, fairy floss, fireworks, dodgem cars, stuffed toys… what’s not to love!!
I ‘d love to tell you what i love about the ekka show but i cant because i’v never been.My kids always beg me to go every year and i cant afford it as i have four.If i was to win tickets i would be the best mum in the world and the kids i know will be so grateful and sooooo excited.
We have just moved to Brisbane from Perth and keep hearing how wonderful the Ekka is and how much bigger it is than our Perth Royal Show! We would love to go and taste the strawberry ice cream that everyone is telling us about!
wow, by the time you have gotten through this many entries your minds must be spiinning!!!
the rides at the ekka make your mind spin (or so I’ve imagined)
deciding which showbags to purchase make your mind spin (or so I’ve imagined)
the kids wanting to visit a billion attractions at once make your mind spinn ( i don’t need to imagine!!)
But as any of our family have never been to the Ekka, I can only continue to imagine, the excitement and laughter on my boys faces as everything amazes their little minds!!
Have not ever been to the EKKA would love to go and take my 3 boys…i imagine their favourite part would be the animals showbags and rides….
Im guessing the strawberry ice cream needs to be tried cause everyone raves about how could it is!!
But out of all of it spending wonderful family time with my boys watching the main event, being amazed in sideshow alley…yep ive done my research now to just et them there….
The Ekka was a tradition for my family growing up. There were always certain things we had to do – the baby animals, the sausage show, the sugar cane, fashion parades and so much more. I now have girls of my own and we have been living overseas – can’t wait to introduce them to something that we loved so much when we were growing up.
where to start i guess the best part is all the motor sport an firework..
We moved up here from SYD 2 years ago and have not been would love to see what all the fuss is about!!
Would love to take the kiddies to their first brisbane show!
Always remember mum taking a packed lunch of vegetate rolls, and sitting ring side to have lunch while watching whatever was happening in the arena.
Simply, the SMELL!!! The smell of the EKKA takes me back to childhood. The combination fairy floss, hay, animals, dagwood dogs with sauce and hot chips is unmistakeable. When i smell the EKKA it takes me straight back to being 9 again, carting around arms full of show bags with my parents. I want my kids to smell that smell too!!!!
Like most people who grew up in Brisbane the Ekka has always been a part of life, I guess you could say it is a family tradition. Dad would always come home from work early and pick up my brother and I and we would head in after school, while mum would finish work in the city and bus it across to the RNA and meet us. He would somehow always jag a park and in we would go! These were the pre-mobile phone days at first so a routine was established so mum could always find us. Butterboard sandwiches were obligatory as were the strawberry ice creams, surf life savers tickets (hardly won a prize but loved searching for the numbers!), the animals of course and not to forget the showbag pavilion. Hours of prep seemed to vanish when we entered that building and had to make the hard choice of which 2 or 3 bags we would each get! Then it was into the food pavilions where mum and dad partook of free samples of wine and cheese and then we would take our loot and sit and wait for the fireworks – often entertained by the cars racing or doing tricks. The fireworks over we would pester for one last ride or game in side show alley and then home we would go – euphoric and maxed out on sugar – done for another year! My husband did not grow up here so has taken some convincing this is something we just have to do with our 3 girls each year – but hey its tradition!
Have never taken my girls but I loved it as a kid and know my girls would love the showbags, animals and strawberry ice creams!
I have 6 kids under 13 we enjoy going to the ekka. Its the main event of the year for us we especially adore the animals and fresh strawberries on ice cream and my kids saved all their pocket money for showbags they have been talking about the ekka for months and keep checking website
Cant wait for ekka.2011
Would love to win a family pass to the Ekka. Any family time is special, but this would be an awesome day out together (especially as my daughter has never been to the Ekka). I remember going as a child and always having the best time… and would love to share that experience with my family.
I have been studying for the past 7 1/2 years, and the ekka has provided amazing time out and mother daughter time every year. we get there early and stay until the fireworks. I save my money, so that we can simply have a lovely day out =)
i love the ekka have gone just about every year since i was a kid, love getting the showbags and seeing the baby animals, really love the strawberry icecreams, always have to have one of them before we leave
I nor my family have never been to the Ekka. Though I think the rides would be a favourite as well as the farm animals for my little ones. We live on the Gold Coast so it would be fantastic to get to go this year!
At the age of 9, on a family outing to the Ekka, i insisted to my parents that i WAS going to win a plush tweety.
As we entered though the entrance at sideshow alley, i persisted with my desire.
In desperate plea of persuasion my parents tried endlessly in sabotaging my mission, saying – its just something you will have to carry around ALL DAY! or, no one ever really wins those things, they are a waste of money.
THEN, i saw it….
the stall, the prize, the game.
3 turns for $9. I passed over my hard earned pocket money, and off i went. Hook a fish, was all i had to do! Hook a fish with a ‘W’ for winner. #1 Lost, #2 Lost, with my dream slowly fading i eyed off one final fish, hooked it and with my heart pumping loudly in my throat, turned it over to find….. the ‘W’ i had only ever dremt
At the age of 9, on a family outing to the Ekka, i insisted to my parents that i WAS going to win a plush tweety.
As we entered though the entrance at sideshow alley, i persisted with my desire.
In desperate plea of persuasion my parents tried endlessly in sabotaging my mission, saying – its just something you will have to carry around ALL DAY! or, no one ever really wins those things, they are a waste of money.
THEN, i saw it….
the stall, the prize, the game.
3 turns for $9. I passed over my hard earned pocket money, and off i went. Hook a fish, was all i had to do! Hook a fish with a ‘W’ for winner. #1 Lost, #2 Lost, with my dream slowly fading i eyed off one final fish, hooked it and with my heart pumping loudly in my throat, turned it over to find….. the ‘W’ i had only ever imagined!
Walking back to my parents, seeing their shocked faces as i returned with Tweety in my arms, is forever a memory i will hold close. – 4eva the EKKA! what amazing memories it holds for us all
We love the excitement that builds inside the kids on the way to the Ekka, and the exhausted little bodies that we carry home at the end of the day after soaking up the sun and dirt, the animals, food and all of the carnival action of side show alley and the pavilions. We love it all.
As a rural child it was exciting to come to the Big Smoke for the Ekka. The Cattlemen’s Bar was our base with Mum and Dad catching up with friends. I remember watching country kids in the cattle pavilion entertaining themselves by dangling a huge plastic spider from their bunks above their cattle. As people walked by looking at the cattle, the spider would come down to sit on their shoulders! My children have been beggging me to take them to the Ekka to look at the animals and of course purchase the obligatory showbag!
We love the great family atmosphere of the Ekka – so many things to do for all ages. My children adore the animal nursery and Sideshow Alley, and hubby and I love the woodchop. Finish the night with fireworks and the Ekka will always be a great place to create lots of special family memories!
T-The trill of watching the rides being set up from the road as we drove past
H-Holding on to my young daughters hand very tightly
E- Excitement on Lilly’s face when she saw all of the baby animals
E-Extra, Extra Read all about it, The ekka is in town- Let’s all shout it!!!
K-Kids, Lilly got a photo holding onto a goat kid, so very cute
K-Kisses- “mummy you can have lots of kisses if I can have one more showbag”
A-A Big bang in the sky and watching the beautiful coloured fireworks fall from the sky
Sorry Rachal
I just saw that you did a poem too, Great minds think a like
I would love to take my kids to the Ekka as we have never been and as a full time student it’s not something I would be normally able to do.
Lots of good memories of the EKKA – but the strawberry icecreams and the monster trucks and precision cars were a highlight last year. My boys (6 &
went for the first time last year!
Chance to escape reality (and act like a kid) and have loads of fun with the kids – looking at the animals, watching the shows or joining in with them at sideshow alley. And dont forget the showbag goodies that bring out the sugar rushes
One of my favorite memories of the Ekka is taking the train there and back. I loved as a child when we were leaving after the fireworks and could see sideshow alley all lit up!
I love the showbags, the rides, the animals and
The strawberry ice creams.
The Ekka… Memories of childhood with the smells of all the animals, the delicious foods and the lights of sideshow alley…. Can’t wait for my own children to share the same experiences that I had. Because if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s the Ekka always being the same year after year! And sometimes that’s a really good and comforting thing!
I love the way the Ekka brings the family get-together
I love the animals and the judging they do with the animals… it takes me back to my childhood on the farm!! I would love to share that with our girls and hubby as they have never been.
The ekka is about looking at the exhibition of the hard work of the many that submit jams, cakes, photos, craft and admiring their hard work and artistic skills. It’s about watching the breeders display their animals and seeing the sheer joy on their face when they win. It’s about the once a year Dagwood dog and strawberry ice-cream. Ekka is watching the delight on peoples faces when the fireworks start. It makes you reminisce of a long ago childhood and the wish to hold on to it as you go on a ride. Ekka is about continuing a tradition and passing on the experience to you own cherished little one.
EEEKKK, being Canadian, I have never been to the EKKA;-( But I just asked my husband and he said one word “SHOWBAGS”, he actaually repeated it a large number of times and kind of jumped up and down, clapping his hands like a child — guess the EKKA does bring out the kid in you no matter what age (he is 42)
My children love the animals, and they love the baby animal petting area. They laugh hysterically as the greedy, pushy animals try to get the little ones out the way to get the food. It’s just good fun to watch!
I like the fish display and the big pumpkins!
Fun, fun, fun! Our girls are really looking forward to going. The nine year old is excited about the “scary” rides and the six year old is looking forward to the animals and toffee apples. I can’t begin to imagine how long it will take to choose a showbag each!!!
We have always gone to the EKKA as kids, my Nanny & Pa worked there for many years in the Cafe for Commercial swim club, located under the grand stand, Nanna would collect all of her spare change for the year & split it up as pocket money for all of us grandkids. The favourite parts were the Infant Animal Nursery, Woodchop, Precision Driving Team & of course the Fireworks.
The Ekka is awesome, the crowds, the smell, all the beautiful animals, showbags, icecreams, dagwood dogs, sore feet, excited children. What’s not to like?
To be honest, my greatest memories of the Brisbane Ekka were going as a teenager without the parents. I’m sure we got up to no good, but it was loads of fun. The food, rides and the showbags were my favourite and I can still picture my sister and I sitting on our beds at home going through our showbags.
I now would love to make NEW MEMORIES with my two gorgeous children. DD4 has only been once as she was a sickly 1 year old. There is so much to do and see there, I know that both of my children would have an absolute ball! Only downside, is we won’t be able to indulge in all the food that the Ekka has to offer due to DD’s anaphylaxis to nuts (and needing to also avoid possible traces), but hey, that’s our life now, so we are use to packing our own food! lol
ps Have been a liker of yours on facebook for a while now. Brisbane Kids is the place to go when you are looking for something fun to do with the kids.
I have only been fortunate to go to Ekka once in my life and I just couldn’t believe how much there was to do and see. I loved seeing all of the animals and concerts but of course the food, showbags and rides were the highlight. Would love to take my kids this year! And take my mum back because she hasn’t been in a very long time
We love sitting together as a family and watching the fireworks. It brings back memories of when I stayed at the Ekka on the Newspaper writing camp. Good times!
My parents brought me to the Ekka from our small country town when I was a toddler, the only memory I have of that trip is a photo of me in a stroller with a strawberry ice-cream – most of it around my mouth! I did go once as an adult about 9 years ago, but would so dearly love to take my own 3 boys to experience it – especially those strawberry icecreams! Our budget doesn’t stretch that far this year, so winning a ticket is our only way to get there. Thanks for the opportunity
Hi,
I’ve never been to the Ekka so I can’t tell you what I love most but I can tell you if we went I would love the expressions on my kids faces the most, seeing something for the first time we could all experience it together would be magnificent.
xx
Strawberry Ice-creams. Easy!
The food, the animals, the fireworks, the showbags…too hard to choose just one.
The Ekka is fantastic as it has so much for everyone. Whether you are young or old, have lots or minimal money to spend, love ride or just seeing shows, it has something for everyone.
To go to the Ekka
There is nothing ‘betta’
By chance you may meet
all kinds of folk in the streets
Showbags for all
fill lthe great pavillion hall
Cows and sheep and horses too
Just make sure you don’t stand in their poo!
What I would like about the Ekka would be actually getting along to experience it and having a well earnt family day out. Moved up from Nsw to be close to the hospitals 12 months ago, but haven’t had a chance to check out many of the local attractions yet. Would love to win a pass, but the conditions of this comp are for those who have been before. Maybe you’ll run a anyone can win comp next.
My memory of the Ekka was my parents saving all year to take us and when we got there we would pig out on all the treats while watching the dog competitions and then we would spend hours and hours in the showbag pavillion because we couldnt decided which ones we wanted…then catching the train home to empty all our goodie bags and pig out till we fell asleep…..I would love to show my Kiwi husband all the things i have been talking about and take him an our niece and nephew
What my kids like best is playing in the cars and camper vans showcased
Because I would just love for my children to experience the fun that is the EKKA.
the atmosphere, new experiences, the exhibitions, fun, laughter, a good family day together
We love the animals!! We haven’t taken our boys to the Ekka yet (they are five and two) and would love to take them to see it all! Susan
Strawberry ice-cream, yummy smell of cows and Bertie Beetle bag!!!
Strawberry ice cream, yummy smell of cows (lol!) and the Bertie Beetle Bag!
The best Ekka was a year that we stayed home and my father made up a green cake and milkshakes, we got “show bags” from the newsagents i.e. colouring pencils and books. He had us convinced that the exterior roof colour had turned green too.
I love all the animals and animal shows. Loved them as a little girl and have not had the chance to take my little man to see them.
Would definitely have to be the strawberry Icecreams yum:)
Ever since I can remember my dad has taken me to the EKKA. It was out special time together exploring old favorites and discovering new ones. Tradition was and still is buying our last strawberry ice cream as we walked out the gates for another year. Again, I will still go with my dad, only this year I have my own boy to share all of this with : ) I am super excited to share the experience and develop our own EKKA traditions!
I love that it’s right near where I married my hubby and it’s the first year that we’d be able to take a kid
i love going to the ekka the rides are great the events are so much fun and its a great day out with family
absolutely love it!!
I grew up in the country would love the opportunity to show my little girl things she never has the chance to see, living in the city. She’s just turned 2, and is a bit of a chook and duck fan!! The poultry pavilion and all the other primary produce displays would BLOW HER MIND!!! Would love to hear what she says…. You never can predict….
Oh there is so much… showbags, dagwood dogs, strawberry icecreams, sideshow alley, the animals, plus the events in the main arena.
I Have never been but it sound like The Easter Show in Sydney, I once went to.
I hear the Ekka has show bags & rides, animals to pat & yummy food to eat?
Why wouldn’t anyone want to go?…… $$$$ I think it cost a bomb just to walk thur the gate,
With three little kids we couldn’t stay for a whole day & into the night. So unless our luck changes we may have to wait! We can watch it on TV. I can tell the kids look that is overseas or a different state. Until my eldest tells me her whole class is going to the Ekka, “can we go, can we go” like I said last year, “maybe next year” as The Ekka comes back like Santa every year!
I there is so much to love about the Ekka but I dont think anything can beat the nights at the Ekka!! The air becomes cool & crisp, you get some hot dagwood dogs & finish a perfect day off with fireworks!!
I’ve been a Brisbane Kid since I was born, and have been to the Ekka so many times. My favorite thing was always the freebies- I’d come home with bags jam packed full of pens, pamphlets, small lollies, magnets, etc. Such a sucker for freebies!
I have been to Ekka once as has my husband both when we were young, WE LOVED IT! Needless to say both sets of parents didnt and never took us back. In 2006 When we got together we went to see the fireworks and havn’t missed a year since! This year our first born is 15 months and we cannot wait to take her to see everything! We have vowed it will become a family tradition as theres something for all of us to enjoy!! The fireworks are my absolute favourite i never want to miss them!!!
Ekka! The memories …..going back nearly 30 yrs… It’s the smell of the animals, walking through the show bag pavillion, standing in line at the fashion show.. seeing the cakes and crafts… listening to the screams on the rides (and wishing you hadn’t become such a scardy cat), having the count at the woodchop… the dagwood dogs and finally having the dirt flick up on machinery hill watching the cars…. shouting out red, yellow no blue ……at the fireworks…..this is the ekka for me! I
My fondest memories of the Ekka are as a child looking up at the Royal Women’s Hospital and thinking how great it would be to have a baby while the Ekka was on. Many years later this came true with me having my first son during Ekka time. I remember holding him up to the window to watch his first fireworks, and my sister got him a Baby’s First Showbag. To this day my nearly 17 year old son loves the Ekka, as do we all.
I have attended the ekka every year for the last 20 years. I now take my children every year 7 & 6 and they count down the days until it starts! Something’s we love are the show bags, night show, fireworks, animals and of course the rides!
As a kid my grandparents always took my brother and I to the Ekka, we moved to another state where their show didnt live up to the Ekka we have since moved back to QLD and took our daughter the first year we were back I loved the animals as a kid and the strawberry ice cream it turned out my daughter does too
)
We haven’t been to the Ekka for quite a few years and now that we have a 3 year old and 1 year old we really want to take them to experience the magic of the Ekka, and all the gorgeous animals!
My favourite thing of the ekka is the ekka! Every year my mum used to take us and we could get one show bag and dagwood dog. With mum being a single parent she used to pack all this food from home into a back pack and we would be off for a day to remeber. We always stayed for the fireworks too.! Now I am my mother and I stuff food into a backpack and take the kids. Last year my eldest boy was in hosipital so we missed it but I am hoping to make up for it this year. My mum is in hospital though so we will have a dagwood dog in her honour! I love the Ekka it brings out the little girl in me!
I have not been to the Ekka for years! But I remember going as a child and I remember all the excitement that came along with going. The showbags, the dagwood dogs, the animals! I loved it all as a child. Now, though I am 26 married and have a 4 1/2 year old little girl. My husband moved up with me from Sydney so he and my daughter have NEVER been. I would LOVE to me able to take them both and share the excitement with them. I know how much my little girl would love to see the animals too!!
I just love seeing the kids having so much fun seeing the animals, going on the rides and eating Dagwood Dogs and Strawberry Ice-creams. Our youngest gets his first trip to the Ekka this year and I can’t wait to see how excited and amazed he will be when we get there!
We are a family of 5 with children aged 11, 9and 6 who have never been and we would love to take them this year. It would be a wonderful experience for them especially been animal lovers and seeing the stunt shows, show bag pavillion and especially indulging in a strawberry ice-cream and much much more.
Ekka to me is about tradition and family. it is also a bridge between city and country in that the city kids get to learn a bit about farm life and vise versa. i also think it is a great place to share your memory’s with your children while they experience something you did when you were there age. i cant recall one bad ekka experience so its a guaranteed family fun day with so much to do most people wont see everything in one day. the man that does the sillohete drawings must be put in a vault every year because my grandmother says he was doing that 50 years ago hehehe BRISBANE LOVES EKKATIME!!
My family and I have never been to the Ekka before I believe that it is an opportunity for families to experience the joys off an occasion once every year that represent the love that brisbane has for everyone in it… I see it being the most memorible event any family would love to do….
After being at the Ekka nearly all day….the end of the evening sitting up in the grand stand watching the Night’s Entertainment in the Main Arena is the part we love most about the Brisbane Ekka… eating our dagwood dogs and yummy goddies from our showbags, sitting close to each other to keep warm. It sums up the whole day and what the Ekka is about!!!
Our family loves the adventure trial , they pay for a empty show bag and map
then spend all day collecting all the goodies for it . They even have free food samples .
My favourite thing about the EKKA is watching my kids have a good time at the EKKA. Just seeing their little faces so full of excitement on the trip in, watching them enjoy the ice-creams and feel the animals and see thing they have never seen before. They are creating memories for themselves and I really hope I get the opportunity to take them this year.
We love strawberry icecreams, the animals, dagwood dogs and the excitement leading up to the big day. Colourful wigs, showbags and a few dollars spent at side show alley! Rodeo, woodchipping, woolworths pavillion and the best sleep at the end of the day!
I used to love having my parents take me to the EKKA. It was always such a special day and I am so so lucky that I can now share this with my children!!!!!
Have not missed a year in a long time and always look forward to the fireworks and evening entertainment. Woolies pavilliion is always awesome and of course my children LOVE the showbag pavillion where they can spend their hard earned money from doing odd jobs around the house. The lists ready to go..
Cant wait.
I absolutely LOVE the EKKA!! The atmosphere, entertainment, people, rides, showbags etc are all FUN FUN FUN! and every year it gets bigger and better which i love about it. taking the kids and watching them have soo much fun, it’s so awesome.. Cant wait to go this week! xD
Having grown up in brissie and grown up going to the ekka, now that I have kids I love sharing this special event with them, and hopefully one day they will do the same for their children !!!! The whole ekka experience is awesome.
i love the way my son;s face light’s up when he see’s all the animal’s and the firework’s also i looooooove the showbag pavillion and seeing my son on the ride’s in sideshow alley really brighten my day fav part of the ekka
Strawberry icecream and showbags!
I love the spirit of the ekka!! We took our daughter for the first time last year – and she won a big teddy bear on the laughing clowns … at 3 years old … bigger than anything I’ve ever won in ALL my years of trying (and yes … I think I am slightly jealous). Maybe it’ll be my turn this year
I love how it is just fun family entertainment. Nothing more, nothing less. A day out to the EKKA is a day I can enjoy the same crazy things my children do, along with them. Lots of smiles, lots of laughs, lots of SUGAR!
I love the atmophere – everywhere you look people are happy and smiling. I love the animals, the woodchipping and the activities you don’t see anywhere else. The street performers are always fun to watch. I also can’t go past the dagwood dogs and the ice cream either.
I love the whole experience! I’ve been going to the ekka every year since I was a child. And now I have the joy of taking my fiance that has never been before!
We are so excited about going, and I can’t wait to show him side show alley, the rides, the woolworths pavillion, the animals, the fireworks and everything else the Ekka has to offer!
My favourite thing would have to be having a strawberry icecream while watching the beautiful sheepdogs. Oh and a bertie beetle showbag or two
I have EKKA Disorder! I am addicted and need to go every year!!! I love the Show Bag Pavilion the best!
I love taking the kids to the dairy farmers pavilion to milk the cows, something city kids just dont get the chance to do
And also the coon chees toasties and strawberry ice-creams YUMMMMO 
i have never been and nor have the kids…. would love to experience it for the first time with my kids…..
We are looking forward to taking two of our three children to the Ekka for the very first time! They are excited more so as Daddy has the night off from shift work as a police officer & will be coming along!!! We are also host family to a Japanese student who would love to go as well. We decided to make it a family event & invite Grandad along…..this now makes it a “3 generation” family outing & the first time visit to the Ekka with 4 of his Grandchildren!!! Grandad won them with his story about the strawberry ice-creams!!! My best memory as a child too!!!
One of the best parts about the Ekka besides the atmosphere is how the country and city come together. Great for the kids to see the animals whilst enjoying a show bag or two as well all the varied attractions on display.
We are coming home early from our holiday in NZ so that we cn take our 8 year old grandaughter and 3 year old grandson to the Ekka. Last year was her first time, this year will be his first time, we can’t wait to experience it all again. She loved the farm animals, rides, fairy floss and of course the fireworks. We could really do with the family pass, after our holiday. Lol
What I like most about the Ekka is sharing the experience with family. My Dad took me to the Ekka for the first time when I was about six, and showed me around, teaching me all about the different animals, eating junk food, watching the sheepdog trials and the woodchop (our favourite was David Foster), and the fireworks in the evening before heading home full of stories to tell my Mum. We went together every year for many years, eventually adding in a beer together in the Stockmans Bar once I was old enough. This year I am looking forward to bringing my own daughter to the Ekka for the first time. I hope that she’ll love it as much as I do.
I have never been to the Ekka before so it would be great to take my family. The kids would love seeing the animals and it would be nice to see the atmosphere of the Ekka.
I love the strawberry icecreams, the chairlift and everything about the EKKA experience. EKKA is the one of the only things that I travel into Brisbane specially for.
Would love to be able to say everything but as we are new to Brisbane this year, none of us have ever been. Is it anything like the Melbourne Show?? I know the kids would love the chance to check it out with us.
Just about everything! We haven’t done the Ekka with kids yet but I think my 4 year old will love the rides and the animals the best!
The BEST memory of the EKKA is all the rides, showbags, animals and the food. We have never taken the children but I am sure the first thing they will want to do is go straight to the horses and animals. The EKKA is great for making family memories.
We love everything at the Ekka! The animals, woodchopping, pavillions, rides and the lights and fireworks at night! And of course the food… Dagwood dogs, strawberry icecreams and show bags.. Recreating the memories for our kids that we had at the Ekka as kids ourselves!
What is there not to love about our Brisbane EKKA?? I love the atmosphere, the dogwood dogs, the strawberry ice creams and our iconic ferris wheel. Most of all seeing the enjoyment on my little girls faces as they get to experience something I experienced as a child…..I remember way back when I was a little girl going with my grandfather in on the train and having the best day of the year!!! I wish I was able to give my girls that same excitement I had as a child with so many wonderful memories that still remain with me today!!! Kids just think it’s all about show bags and rides but to experience the cows and pigs and arena events as well as the all time favourite wood chop is what makes our Brisbane EKKA the best. I hope to win tickets so I get to take my girls this year, as times have got tough it’s sad to have to forego the things we got to enjoy as children. Thanks for this chance
mmmmm ….. gotta be the fresh ham sandwiches from the butter board ….. making my mouth water just thinking about it
For us it is about tradition. My husband’s Grandmother took him and A.L.L of his cousins to the Ekka every year. They travelled by train together from Wynnum station, she would then trek about the show grounds with 16 children in tow and made sure every child saw every animal, exhibit and show. They always checked in about 10 show bags each to the cloak room and never went home before the fire works. ‘Nanny’ was an amazing Grandmother, and it is these memories that keep ‘Great Nanny’ alive in our home for our children. We are very much looking forward to taking Master 4 and Miss 1 this year, mostly because of the stories we can share during the day out.
This is what I know my son WILL love as he hasn’t been yet – the animals. All of them, the cattle and horses, the dogs and chickens, and of course all the baby farm animals.
I love that the ekka is a Brisbane tradition. It is a big opportunity to show kids a part of the country. It is also a family tradition – we just scrape by with my disability pension and working 2 part days a week, we don’t get luxuries that other families take for granted like theme parks or going to the movies – so going to the ekka is the one splashing out luxury we have. It doesn’t matter what we end up doing at the ekka, my daughter loves it all (and so do I!).
We have just moved up from NSW, and never been to the Ekka, but having read all the comments from other entries, I am really looking forward to trying teh strawberry ice cream!! I cannot wait for my children to see what a big show is all about, rather than the country-fair style we have attended in the past! I love how Brisbane gets so excited about all of the events that they have ~ will there be fireworks? I can’t wait to find out!!!
There’s just a certain feeling about the Ekka. I love it so much that I even wrote it into my novel ‘The Riders’ War: Battle For Today’ (under the name M. A. Clarke). I miss being able to go and I would love to take my kids to share the experience with them
The Ekka is amazing I love just taking the kids to see the animals and shows they love the rides and fireworks most and I love the Ekka most for Its show bags and cotton candy can’t wait to take the kids this year they are always excited to actully Winn a family pass would makE it such an awesome day for all of us
We would love to go to the EKKA, we have moved over from England and are yet to find work, so the EKKA isn’t a viable option for us to take our Littlies to. From what I’ve seen, it looks like slot of fun to see the displays and pat farm animals and definitely a showbag would be a great thing to take home for DH and DD aged 5! It would be a nice break for us, as the move has been far from a breeze
we are loving Brisbane Kids though, so thanks for all the info!
A favourite day at the Ekka would go a little like this: Side show alley followed by a Dagwood dog and a strawberry ice cream for lunch whilst watching the wood chop.(Definetely in that order too, rides then food) A visit to the petting zoo, maybe a pavillion, depending on our little peoples stamina. Then to the showbags. After that fun we head over to ringside and watch the events whilst checking out what goodies we have got in the showbags. Then the big finally of watching the fireworks. Yay we love everything EKKA!!!
arts and crafts and all those baby animals!!!!
Our kids have not been to the ekka yet – would love this to be their first time. I remember loving the animal nursery and all the colour and wonder of the show!!
My favourite memory of the Ekka – sitting at Main Arena in the afternoon in the shade of the Grand Stand.. watching show jumping horses and eating a strawberry ice-cream…. Second to that is the showbags with all the novelty items inside – you would literally spend days/weeks after the show going through the bags and playing with all the gadgets inside… especially with those ‘clackers’ which would drive your parents clackers!!….. I would love to share that tradition with my son!!
I love the anticipation from the moment the ads for the Ekka go on tv. The kids get sooo excited about the Ekka and all there is to see and do. I also love the excitement on their faces when the Ferris Wheel goes up and when they go through the gate and see the sights and smells of side show alley. The strawberry icecreams are the best ekka food ever invented. A must for anyone visiting the EKKA!!
Of course, the Dagwood Dogs, Strawberry Icecreams, and the Showbags, but of couse, the kids LOVE the animals. We also look forward to the Horse Shows, Fashion Shows and Animal Shows, and the Fruit and Veg displays, and the Moster Trucks and Motorbike flipping Show… There is SO MUCH to cram into a visit…
The live music shows, and after raiding a couple of show bags, go to sideshow alley and a ride on the ferris wheel…I know I will think of something else after I post this – oh well…
We are looking forward to seeing what is NEW this year!!! And we just can’t leave before the FIREWORKS!!!
we love the animals and of course the dagwood dogs. . . The wine tasting is pretty good too
I have such great memories of the Ekka as a kid. I always looked forward to going to the Ekka, the sights the sounds…the food…THE SHOW BAGS!! And with the growing prices it is getting harder and harder to give the same experience for your kids. I am hoping this year to take my kids for the first time to experience what I experienced… before the ekka is totally different with all the refirbishment.
It is and icon and such a great day for the family… what is there to hate about the ekka except for the cost?
Soon I am afraid won’t be what it used to be and want to get there before like everything else it changes forever.
my memories are related for event similar to Ekka hel in Serbia. however i’m here now and never really had chance to see it. with two little children, would love to give them that opportunity I had as achild and offcourse, remaind myself of beeing silly and childish
Iv been in QLD for 15years and have never been but would love to take my daughter to it this year as she is 4years old and will have a memorable experiance
Hi i have been every year but this year i wont be able to as of major finance problems unless im lucky enough to get tickets and its a mojor disappointment more so for my children
My best memories of the ekka are from when I was young, picking out my showbags from the paper, going through my moneybox collecting coins for rides and the strawberry icecreams
What I love most about the Ekka is the laughing clown game….it brings back happy memories of my child hood but taking my kids to the Ekka for the first time this year will be my favorite memory soon enough
Hi, I’ve moved down to brissy almost 10mths ago and not once I’ve ever been to the Brisbane ekka. I would love to go and visit the show with my kids, I’ve been told it bigger the a suburb show? I have a disability kids and they only use to seeing a few rides and fireworks deplays with a few showbags vans, what I’ve seen on tv is massive size showgrounds or was Tat only television effects? Me and my kids would love the chance of going to the Brisbane ekka one year..
The strawberry icecreams – without a doubt the best thing about the Ekka!
love, love love the animals! I have 2 kids who really enjoy this area. And just the overall atmosphere! Smiles everywhere & loads of joy:)
I would love to win a family pass to ekka this year. I will have my 2yrs old son, 6yrs old sister and 9yrs old brother with me that night. I used to go to the Ekka every year for my self, but now I want it to be all about the kids. They will love it. Great way to make memories for the youngs