Paul Weston: The show must go on otherwise there will be a stink

THE Ekka in Brisbane has just hosted record crowds. Meanwhile, the Gold Coast Show is on its knees with uncertainty about its future. This is the year you must support it, writes Paul Weston.

FOR the Gold Coast Show, the past few years have been like the pavement at the Ekka outside the Cattleman’s Bar.

This is after the cattle are brought through to the main arena. It stinks, believe me.

But hey, look up and there are blue skies.

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Crowds at the Ekka on Wednesday, August 15 — let’s hope the Gold Coast get the same. (AAP Image/Claudia Baxter)

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Your columnist returned to the Brisbane annual show, failed a crucial sidestep among the madding crowd outside the bar, and stumbled into the nearby sheds to clean the new Nike running shoes.

On return to the Ekka, you will find city sometimes uncomfortably meets country.

Around the sawdust and strange smell of animals in the nursery, children from the suburbs and the bush collide with smiles — well, they’re just opened-eyed kids, all the same.

An older female farmer cuddles a small lamb for the city kids to touch. They overhear a story about how a young one had died earlier that morning on the farm due to the drought.

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A bull drinking the first beer or not drinking in this case, poured by RNA President David Thomas at the bar, traditional opening of the Cattleman's Bar, Ekka. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Outside, the old brick buildings have not changed across the decades. The rail underpass through to sideshow alley remains the same as when you raced through as a kid.

You think of all this history, the permanency of the Bowen Hills site and the record crowd gathering around the showbag pavilion.

You think about $300 disappearing from your pocket, just like the sawdust floating around the stalls.

The woodchopping arena is full of families, with no seats available. Our city with the men from Mudgeeraba has a history of tough axemen.

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"Wild' Bill Ellis of Tannymorel who brings lead Steers to the Ekka every year has a few drinks at the Cattleman's Bar. Pic Mark Calleja

Here with the Royal Brisbane Hospital as a backdrop, you finally think of the Gold Coast.

Our show, having been turfed out of Parklands for the Commonwealth Games, was sent like an orphan to the turf club at Bundall with its poor parking.

Now homeless, it has been given brief respite at the Broadwater Parklands with its great backdrop of Surfers Paradise, for the 112th event that runs for three days from August 31.

But like the homeless residents who greet the volunteers each week from Rosies in the car park opposite the Broadwater, there are no guarantees of survival after this year.

Here’s the thing. Talk to a range of supporters from veteran Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow to show manager Lavinia Rampino, and there is still hope while the council and Government contemplate the future.

At the Broadwater Parklands, there will be sideshow alley, an animal nursery and fireworks. The equestrian events will be staged at nearby Owen Park.

The dog judging will use the touch fields. The Southport State School offered up its grounds and will benefit from your paid parking.

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Marina Mirage will put on a rainbow light show on its white shades. Since there are no pavilions, Australia Fair is offering room on its first floor to host the cake stalls.

Country meets the city and both are in a bit of trouble. We have some common ground and compassion.

By the way, it’s free to go this year. Just catch the tram or pay to park at Carey Park, across the road from the Broadwater Parklands.

Over at the dog show, can someone just clean up the touch fields afterwards?

Remember outside the Cattleman’s Bar. The sidestep is a lot slower these days. Enjoy your Gold Coast Show and ensure it’s not your last.