Fun times linger longer with Ekka to take out second weekend

FROM next year, Queensland’s iconic Ekka will run across two weekends to allow more visitors to “experience the magic”.

The Ekka 'magic'. Picture: Claudia Baxter

FROM next year, Queensland's iconic Ekka will run across two weekends to allow more visitors to "experience the magic".

The move means the much-loved night-time entertainment will now run for all 10 days of the show and organisers can plan an exciting main arena act for the final Sunday to draw the crowds.

The show will begin on Friday, August 8, and wrap up on Sunday, August 17, in 2014.

RNA chief Brendan Christou said while organisers were committed to preserving and honouring the Ekka's many traditions, it was important to consider stakeholder feedback and assess potential improvements each year.

"For 136 years the Ekka has celebrated all that is great about Queensland and from the very beginning it has embraced change, acting as a showcase for new, different and exciting initiatives, developments, competitions and entertainment year after year," he said.

"The change was made in response to visitor feedback and following consultation and communication with a broad range of the RNA's valued stakeholders."

The 2013 Ekka attracted more than 400,000 visitors and Mr Christou said feedback showed people already had embraced changes made this year.

"The RNA has been thrilled with the response the Queensland community has given to all the new aspects of the show, especially the new night time program which brought together the best elements of the country and the city for all to enjoy," he said.
 

Fun Facts for Ekka 2013

• More than 400,000 Ekka visitors.
• 184,465 people visited the animal nursery, an Ekka record.
• 117 baby lambs were born in the newborn corner including two sets of triplets and three sets of twins.
• 100 baby chicks hatched.
• More than 1500 brave Ekka-goers attempted to eat the world's hottest chilli.
• More than 133,000 iconic Ekka strawberry sundaes were devoured.
• More than $100,000 of art was sold at the fine arts pavilion.
• 63,918 social media followers - including 54,359 on Facebook, 5386 on Twitter and 4173 on Instagram.
• 900 #Ekkaselfie entrants were taken across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram