Show family improvise after cancellations of agricultural shows

Desperate for a dagwood dog? A local Ekka Show family crippled by COVID’s wipeout of agricultural shows has set up their food truck and been inundated with customers. Here’s where you can get their show food.

THE EKKA might have been cancelled, but there’s still a way to get your hands on a dagwood dog and fresh fairy floss.

Alicia McDonald and husband Jesse are part of a fifth generation family of travelling show people, and like many in their industry, haven’t worked in two months thanks to coronavirus.

“This week, we’d generally be at Bundaberg for their show, but due to COVID, we’re at home in Brisbane not earning an income,” she said.

So while they might not have any shows to go to, the couple had an idea - to set up their food truck on a friend’s property at Doolandella instead.

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A dagwood dog at the Ekka. Photo Lachie Millard

“We’re just trying to make lemonade out of lemons, so we’re doing what we know best, which is to get out there and serve the public and put a smile back on their face,” Mrs McDonald said.

The last two months have been tough for the Jimboomba-based couple, who’ve been unable to access any government assistance.

“We’ve applied to Centrelink for some assistance but they say we have too many assets,” Mrs McDonald said.

“We’re companies. Our bills haven’t stopped so we’ve still got to come up with some kind of revenue.”

The couple were hoping to be back working and travelling the country in September, but shockwaves from coronavirus are still likely to be felt even then.

The McDonalds’ food truck at a show, that's now at Doolandella.

“Each week, we’re just seeing more and more of our agriculture shows cancelling. So far we’re up to October with shows being cancelled,” Mrs McDonald said.

“We finish in November normally, so it’s not looking great. I think this year will be a complete wipe-out.”

The couple have been talking about setting up their food van since lockdown began, but this week, finally took the plunge - and haven’t looked back.

“It’s actually been crazy. I rang my husband and he said he was busy,” Mrs McDonald said.

The couple would normally work at Brisbane’s Ekka, the Royal Melbourne and Sydney shows, as well as a host of other shows around the country.

“We do dagwood dogs that are freshly dipped and cooked right in front of you. There’s no frozen stuff. Fresh cream waffles, fairy floss - anything that you’d get at the Ekka or the regional shows,” Mrs Mcdonald said.

“We’re just trying to support our family and keep ourselves afloat during this pandemic.”

Find the truck at 1104 Blunder Rd, Doolandella.