Residents express frustration over Gladstone Super Show

Many loved the car events and centre ring performances, but others complained about the lack of rides and expensive entry price.

The 2021 Gladstone Super Show lacked crowds during the day.

While the monster trucks and centre ring entertainment captivated audiences at the Gladstone Super Show, not everyone was impressed with the event at the weekend.

There were mixed reviews towards the Gladstone Super Show held on Saturday, with many complaining about the lack of rides and high entry price.

Many residents expressed their disappointment on social media, stating the show was more of a ‘car event’.

“What an insult to Gladstone with the Gladstone Show Society calling it a ‘super show’,” one resident expressed.

“I just went with four adults and my toddler … we spent the day watching my toddler on the jumping castles. No stalls, no showbags, no prizes or senior pension price for mum … not impressed.”

“Not worth it. There’s a slide, jumping castle and dodgems. There’s basically just a chip wagon for food too. Waste of money, not impressed,” another resident wrote.

Organisers had to initially call off the two-day event in June due to issues with ride operators and entertainers insurance.

At the time, a committee spokesperson said they had made numerous calls to ride operators but had received no definite commitment of rides for the June event.

In an emerging crisis around the country, many amusement ride operators, including a large number of the travelling Showman’s Guild rides operators, have been unable to operate as public liability insurance companies are not renewing policies.

The show was postponed for July 10 and was renamed the Gladstone Super Show, with non-Guild amusement rides expected to attend.

Gladstone Show entertainment contractor Clive Featherby said organisers had spent $30,000 on the entertainment package which included monster trucks, helicopters, stunt shows, fire stunts, motorcycles, speedway show and fireworks.

Despite the negativity surrounding the day events, many residents said the arena show, the show’s main attraction, was worth the $20 entry.

“To see my son happy watching the trucks, I don't care bout entry price,” a resident said.

The Gladstone region public holiday is in line with the Ekka holiday and is on August 9.