Strawberry sundaes, showbags: Crowds flock to Ekka after two-year break

Farmyard animals, showbags and – of course – strawberry sundaes were a huge hit for showgoers of all ages as the 2022 Ekka kicked off after a two-year Covid-hit hiatus.

After a two-year Covid-forced hiatus, the Ekka has officially opened the gates to the RNA Showgrounds for an action-packed week of family fun.

Matt Noller brought his children to Brisbane from Clifton, near Toowoomba, for the first time this year, and said that it was good to give them the same experiences he had as a boy.

Thrills and spills on the rides on day 1 of the 2022 Ekka. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I went every year between when I was maybe eight years old to when I was 30,” Mr Noller said.

“Probably after that, I didn’t go too much, and then Covid came along, so I probably haven’t been in around five years now.”

He said that returning with children, aged three and 18 months, was a slightly different experience to those of his past.

“We spent a lot of time at the animals, having a look at those,” Mr Noller said.

Matt Noller of Clifton with daughter, Everly, 3, on day 1 of the 2022 Ekka. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The showbag pavilion was also an essential stop for the young family.

“Everly is a big fan of Ninja Turtles, so we got a showbag for that; it came with masks so she’s changing into different Turtles every five minutes.”
But the ultimate hit was an old Ekka favourite.

“The strawberry sundaes were their favourites; you can’t go to the Ekka without one,” Mr Noller said.

Tickets to the Ekka are available on the official Ekka website to manage daily crowd numbers.