Families and friends flock to Broadwater Parklands for the Gold Coast Show’s final day

Both locals and those from outside of the region are taking advantage of the free entry to the Gold Coast Show, with it being labelled the ‘best day ever’ by many.

Gold Coast Show 2019. Picture: Annie Perets

SHOWGOERS carrying the likes of showbags and fairy floss could be heard saying they had “the best day ever” while leaving the Broadwater Parklands.

Show organiser PJ Habner said this year’s event experienced record crowds.

“Usually we find that Father’s Day is a quieter day of the show but this year there was a steady crowd,” Ms Habner said.

She said the change of location to the Broadwater Parklands had not been an issue for the animals on exhibit.

The popular Bertie Beetle showbags may have sold out but visitors had 86 others to choose from including the confectionary range.

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The Gold Coast Show is spread across 4km. Picture: Annie Perets

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In the final hours of the show people have been flocking to the Showbag Pavilion to buy to ensure they buy the one they want.

Families have used the day to relax and enjoy the free entertainment with many bringing their own food.

Performances from local musicians and multicultural program dominated today’s line-up on the stage.

Thrill seekers including Sheila Mehmedovic, 19, and Alma Ljukovac, 15, went straight to the scary rides after stepping foot at the Broadwater Parklands.

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Crowds are building up for the third day of the Gold Coast Show. Picture: Richard Gosling

The Gold Coast cousins have lived locally their whole lives but said this was their first time going to the show.

The teens started by taking a spin on The Beast, arguably one of the scariest rides which repeatedly flips riders at speeds.

“It went for so long, I was just screaming the whole time,” Ms Mehmedovic said.

The pair also tried out their luck at the sideshow alley games and said though they did not have much to show for it that it was still fun.

Ashmore sisters Matilda, 11, and Lucy Wilson, 13, from Ashmore got their pulses racing from a ride on the Dark Ride Ghost Train, which depicts a haunted house.

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Fay Taylor, 8. Picture: Annie Perets

Lucy went to the show with her friends on Friday and is back for another go with her family.

The rides section has two Ferris wheels on offer with the taller one peaking at 30m.

Giant Wheel ride attendant Brian Sheals said weather had been “perfect” and much better than last year.

Last year they could not operate the ferris wheel for one of the days last year due to heavy winds.

“You get a great view of the parklands from the top,” Mr Sheals said.

The attractions and entertainment of the show are dispersed across 4km.

The Bulletin caught up with families visiting the district from Brisbane who came because they loved the show.

Former Gold Coast resident and game attendee Kelly McBride travels to different shows across Australia as a full-time job.

She says she goes to 46 shows a year and the Gold Coast Show was her favourite.

“It’s amazing having it at the Parklands, it’s the longest show I have ever worked at,” Ms McBride said.

“Coming here is awesome in that I get to catch up with family and friends.”

Show organiser PJ Habner said the equestrian hacking was predicted to be a major hit today.

There will be a fireworks display over the water at 7pm with the show to finish at 9pm.