Mackay Show 2021 closes with thrills for the whole family

Thrills, spills, tasty treats and most importantly family fun – the Mackay Show has something for everyone.

Mum Hayley Ridley was squished right up next to her two children Phoenix and Artaya as the ride spun them around and around. Picture: Lillian Watkins

It is the final hours of the Mackay Show and punters are wasting no time getting in among the action at the showgrounds.

The Ridley family was out to chase thrills at the show with the Whizzer as just a warm up.

Mum Hayley Ridley was squished right up next to her two children Phoenix and Artaya as the ride spun them around and around.

“It’s great, as the kids get older they want to do the scarier rides,” Mrs Ridley said.

Hope and Silvia Brown enjoy the Mackay Show. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Matthew Francis was trying his luck at Tin Can Alley.

While there were no wins yet, Mr Francis said he was just excited to have a day off school.

The Scriven family were heading straight to the dodgems for some essential family fun.

Steven and Tina Scriven were just as excited as their children Hugo (second from left) and Milla to be at the Mackay Show. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Steven and Tina Scriven we’re just as excited as their children Hugo and Milla to be at the show.

“It’s just a great day,” Mrs Scriven said.

And Mr Scriven’s sarong was not in response to the wet puddles littering the show ground.

“It’s just what I wear,” he said with a laugh.

Hope and Silvia Brown enjoy the Mackay Show. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Pricilla Brown was out to enjoy the show with dad and children in tow.

“My husband has to work but it’s still nice for us to get a day off,” she said.

Her daughters Hope and Silvia were trying their hand at darts – even managing to pop a few balloons.

Jardine Bobongie cheered from the sidelines as his son Bronx whirled and bashed his way across the floor in his dodgem car.

Jardine Bobongie with his son Bronx after a ride on the dodgem cars. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Bronx was happy to have a break from some of the more extreme rides.

“The dodgems were very good because the last ride I threw up after,” the Mackay boy said.

Both father and son said they had intended to go the night before but the rain had deterred them.

“It’s great to have a day off to get here for the show today,” Mr Bobongie said.

Ryan Murry was back to face his fears on the fast and furious Stars ride.

His grandmother Ilona Murry was watching on smiling in encouragement as Ryan was ricocheted up and down and side to side.

Ilona Murry with her grandson Ryan Murry at the Mackay Show 2021. Picture: Lillian Watkins

“The last time he went on this ride he was terrified,” Mrs Murry said.

“But he wanted to go again.”

Sure enough, Ryan was grinning ear to ear when he disembarked the chair, begging to go again.