Gold Coast Show returns to Owen Park in 2018 with future

THE future of the Gold Coast Show can now be revealed — and it’s a cracker, celebrating a whole new venue and the incredible attractions it will have this year, including the return of an old favourite.

THE Gold Coast Show will be held at two different venues for the first time in its 111-year history as organisers try to breathe new life into the once signature event.

Rides, woodchopping, show bags, sideshow alley and other entertainment will be held at the Broadwater Parklands over three days from August 31 and the cavalry — or the horses at least — is coming, with equestrian and an agricultural expo down the road at Owen Park.

Lola Alaia and her Welsh Pony are excited about the Gold Coast Show this year. Picture Mike Batterham

Organisers said they would also open the gates for free for the first time.

The Show has suffered an attendance and financial spiral since 2013 when it was kicked out of the Parklands Showgrounds after 24 years to make way for the Commonwealth Games athletes village.

It relocated to the Gold Coast Turf Club at Bundall, but lost its agricultural feel with the country element dropping off the schedule.

“We are reintroducing equestrian at Owen Park, something we haven’t had since we left (Parklands),” Gold Coast Show Society secretary Lavinia Rampino told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“There were no horses (at the turf club). Cattle was scaled down from a large area to half-a-dozen cows in the back paddock.

Gold Coast Show’s 2013 event was its last at Parklands.

“It didn’t feel right or sit well with a lot of people when it didn’t have the whole agricultural feel.”

The Show was held at Owen Park, Queen Street, for 50 years before moving to the Parklands Showgrounds.

The Show in the 1980s.

During the four years the Show was held at the turf club, attendance fell from 63,000 in 2013 to 43,000.

The Gold Coast Bulletin last year reported the event was in turmoil after a leadership walk out and loses of $180,000.

In February, it was revealed the Show was surviving on only $7000 and facing major debt.

Weeks later, the Gold Coast City Council voted to give the event $100,000 and allow it to use the Broadwater Parklands.

The 2014 Gold Coast Show at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Photo: Kit Wise

“Everyone has a different reason for going to the Show — the memories, for the kids, animals, art, each of those have been affected over the years, and because of that you lose more and more people,” Ms Rampino said.

“I think when people go to a venue, it’s about the whole feel of it. It’s an ag show and walking on asphalt just doesn’t feel right. It was a huge change.”

Lola can’t wait for the show. Picture Mike Batterham

Young equestrian rider Lola Alaia is excited about the revival as it will allow her to compete at her first ever Gold Coast Show.

“I love riding, it’s really fun and we get to do things like jumping and showing,” the eight-year-old Hillcrest Christian College student said.

“I have never been able to do equestrian at the show before and I want to do it this year.

“I want to see the baby animals and get a showbag, too.”

The Broadwater Parklands will host some of the show. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Area councillor Dawn Crichlow said using both Owen Park and the Southport Parklands — between the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and Sundale Bridge — gave greater variety to the public.

“The main area will be at the parklands which has worked out really well as an event venue,” Cr Crichlow said.

“The tram station is just across the road and then it’s only a short time and you can get to Owen Park.

“Southport State School is allowing some of its land to be used for the cattle and animal nursery attractions and we are hoping to open up the naval museum and sporting hall of fame for visitors too.”

The fun of the old shows will be back. Photo: Kit Wise

No decision has been made on whether the Show will remain at the Parklands beyond this year.

“It’s a work in progress,” Ms Rampino said.

“We’re working with the council, trying to find a solution that fits in with everything.

“Part of the reason for taking it on the road was to give council and the State Government a bit of breathing space to find us a permanent location.”