Rain doesn’t deter Sydney crowds flocking to the Royal Easter Show
While there is much to love about Sydney’s Royal Easter Show, we think we have might have stumbled across the much-loved event’s No. 1 attraction.
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As Sydney’s Royal Easter Show kicked off, over at the Poultry Pavilion roosters and hens were shaking their tail feathers after some quick pampering and a splash in their lukewarm chook bath.
Before each poultry competition, chickens, geese and ducks undergo spa, feather and beauty treatment to ensure they’re in top shape for the judges first place ribbon.
Stylist Jack Murphy says bathing chickens is much like washing your dog and only requires two basins, some shampoo, Bluo detergent, a toothbrush, “your mother’s hair dryer” and a towel.
“You can always tell it’s someone’s first chook show when their chook comes back blue,” Mr Murphy said, cautioning against excessive use of Bluo detergent.
Chook washing is just one quirk in a show full of delights, and thousands of showgoers braved wild morning weather to head to Sydney Olympic Park to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS).
Complete with thrillseeking rides, adorable animals and delicious but quirky treats on a stick, it’s come a long way from an event once set in a 19th century livestock saleyard.
The Farmyard Nursery has always been a hit in modern versions of the show, and this year, all the way from South East Queensland, eight kelpie cross blue cattle puppies are gaining all the attention from puppy lovers.
Mum Kira who is a purebred kelpie keeps a close eye on her almost five-week old litter, says the dogs’ owner Ally Kemp.
Five girls and three boys make up the adorable bunch and you can catch them playing in their pen at the 10 Shake Farmyard Nursery between 9.30am and 6.30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 7pm on weekends.
Looking back at the last 200 years, RAS president Michael Millner couldn’t be prouder of what the organisation has achieved as they celebrate their bicentenary.
“Like so many in the industry we represent, we have been bent but never broken … and we have survived many man-made and natural disasters including wars, droughts and pandemics,” Mr Millner said.
“As NSW has grown and developed so too have we, and we continue to do so, proudly and with a determination to educate, inform, engage and inspire.”
The organisation has a number of mementos to commemorate the event, including their book Sydney Royal, celebrating 200 Years of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales and their 2022 Commemorative Medallion.
To mark the occasion, the show will host a 200 years Bicentenary Street Parade, which will tour the grounds at 11.30am, 1.00pm & 2.30pm daily.
Showgoers can also step back in time by stopping by the heritage pavilion where photos and stories of the last 200 years are showcased.
Sydney’s 2022 Royal Easter Show is on at Sydney Olympic Park until the 19th of April.
TICKETS
During Show: Children $28; Concessions $35; Adults $45
Twilight tickets: Children $12; Adults $33; Concessions $24
Kids’ Day: Children $12 on April 19
Seniors’ Day: Seniors $17.50 on
April 13
Early-bird ticket prices available until midnight on April 7. Entry is free for children aged three years and under. To book your tickets online, visit eastershow.com.au
FARMYARD FUN
Head to the pavilions to see cute and cuddly animals on show.
FARMYARD NURSERY
Stroll along the 10 Shake Animal Walk and you’ll find the Farmyard Nursery, offering 500 adorable baby animals for you to meet and pat. See your favourites including chicks, piglets, fawns and more.
WHEN: Daily, 9.30am-6.30pm
WHERE: 10 Shake Farmyard Nursery
SYDNEY ROYAL CAT SHOW
In 1870, cats were shown as an extra exhibit in the poultry competition, but in 1929 they were given their own competition and they have been the cream of the crop ever since. The Sydney Royal Cat Show is recognised as one of the most prestigious competitions in the world for fancy felines.
WHEN: April 9-10, 9am-5pm (judging on April 15-17)
WHERE: Pet Pavilion
SYDNEY ROYAL DOG SHOW
This year is a celebration of our devoted four-legged friends, with a special class introduced. It recognises the amazing bond we share with our pets and will award Best Female, Best Male and the Best Exhibitor and Dog Lookalike.
WHEN: Daily, 9am-5pm
WHERE: Dog Judging Lawn, Shoalhaven Street
ALPACA COMPETITION
Alpacas are assessed on their bone structure, proportion and their balance, whilst their fleece is judged on density, lustre and character. Alpaca fleece is quite luxurious and silky, making the softest of baby blankets, lightweight shawls and classic cardigans and coats.
WHEN: April 14-19, 9am-7.30pm
WHERE: Alpaca & Cattle Pavilion
CATTLE COMPETITION
Cattle judging begins on the first day of the Show with the trade steer and school steer competitions. More than 20 breeds will compete in various categories, with the most prestigious awards announced on April 11. This year’s feature breed is the Simmental.
WHEN: April 8-12 and April 15-19
WHERE: Judging takes place on Cattle Lawns, Cattle Pavilions open.
GOAT COMPETITION
The Sydney Royal Goat Show consists of competitions for dairy, boer, mohair and angora. The goats compete in their breed classes for the highest accolade, Best in Show. Judges of these competitions are looking for trueness to type and breed, strong breeding lines and strong yield ability — whether for milk, meat or mohair. For the first time ever, mini goats are stepping up to be judged on April 15.
WHEN: Daily, 9am-7pm
WHERE: Pig & Goat Pavilion
HORSE COMPETITION
The Sydney Royal Horse Show is the largest of its kind, attracting thousands of entries exhibiting horses from Australia. There’s an event every day with classes including breeds, hacks, showjumping, campdraft, polo, rodeo, pony club, tent-pegging and heavy horse obstacle vaulting. New for 2022 is the Fancy Dress Class in celebration of the bicentenary.
WHEN: April 8-19
WHERE: GIANTS Stadium
SHEEP COMPETITION
The Sydney Royal Sheep Show consists of fleece, merino and meat and dual-purpose breeds. A fascinating aspect of the merino competition is the objective measurement class. In this category, merinos are judged on visual characteristics, fleece type and on their subjective measurements, including fat depth and muscle.
WHEN: Daily, 9.30am-7pm
WHERE: Sheep & Wool Pavilion
LEARN MORE ABOUT ‘REGAL’ BREED AT SHOW
Did you know greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds ofvdomesticated dogs in the world? Or that they could only be owned by nobility in 15th century England?
These days it’s regular caring people adopting ex-racing greyhounds who enjoy the privilege of these first-rate pets.
“They are one of the fastest dogs on earth, evolving into a racing dog and now are fast becoming the pet dog of choice for many Australian families, couples and singles,” said Dr Alicia Fuller, general manager of Greyhounds As Pets NSW.
“Many of our greyhounds have been successfully placed in small dwellings without a yard.”
Last year, GAPNSW rehomed more dogs than in its entire 13-year history.
“The cost of adopting a greyhound from GAPNSW is affordable for such a regal dog,” Dr Fuller said. “Adoption costs are $250, with everything your new furry family member will need.”
If you’re thinking about adopting a greyhound, the Greyhounds As Pets team will answer any questions in the Pet Pavilion every day of the Show. Visit gapnsw.com.au.
NIGHT-TIME ENTERTAINMENT
There’s non-stop fun on offer at the Show thanks to a stellar line-up of action events to get the blood pumping, competitions and unforgettable evening entertainment.
EVENING SPECTACULAR
Journey back in time on horse and motorcycle chariots at GIANTS Stadium. Admire the clydesdale, camel, bullock and donkey teams as they make their way through the main arena, and marvel at the magnificent hot air balloon with aerialists hanging from below. Watch the skies as fireworks close the night-time entertainment.
WHEN: Daily, 7pm
WHERE: GIANTS Stadium
PSYCHO SIDESHOW
The team pushes the limits of the human body with tricks and body twists you have to see to believe to create the sideshow of your freakiest dreams. The show features sword-wielding Zoe L’Amore, hip-shaking, hula-hooping Lilikoi Kaos and more.
WHEN: April 9 and 11–19, 1.30pm and 4.30pm
WHERE: The Amphitheatre
WOODCHOP AND SAWING
Take a seat in Woodchop Stadium and watch competitors vie for the title of Champion. There will also be a special bicentenary endurance event on the last day.
WHEN: Daily, from 9am
WHERE: MasterChef Woodchop Stadium
MURRAY WILKINSON AND HIS WORKING DOGS
Murray Wilkinson puts six talented working dogs through their paces, manoeuvring cattle and sheep around an obstacle course using nothing but whistles.
WHEN: April 8–19, 12pm
WHERE: GIANTS Stadium
AIRTIME FREESTYLE MOTOX TEAM
Enjoy a spectacular performance from the Airtime Freestyle MotoX team. Watch as riders soar through the air, and perform stunts like rock solids, turn downs and backflips.
WHEN: Daily, 12.35pm
WHERE: GIANTS Stadium
THE GAGLIARDIES
Mixing variety, vaudeville and circus, The Gagliardies take bike riding to new heights and show us just how far a penny farthing can go in the name of laughs.
WHEN: Daily, 11am and 3.15pm
WHERE: The Intersection
SYNC OR SWIM
The synchronised swim team trials are on at the Show, with eggbeater kicks, strong sculls and a splash of fabulous.
WHEN: Daily, 11.45am and 1.15pm
WHERE: The Intersection
CAR DISPLAYS AND PARADES
Hot rods, V8s and utes are a treat for car lovers. Each day a different car club will pull up and park for the day before departing in a crowd-stopping parade.
WHEN: Daily, 5pm
GANDINI’S MEDICAL MARVELS
This travelling medicine show will tickle the funny bones of young and old, as performers deliver circus-inspired laughs and slapstick at its finest.
WHEN: Daily, 12.30pm and 2pm
WHERE: The Intersection
TOP SHOWBAGS
No trip to the Show is complete without time spent at the colourful Showbag Pavilion.
TOP 10 SHOWBAGS
Minecraft Steve Dressup Bag, $35
Paw Patrol Skye, $30
Cocomelon, $30
Bertie Beetle Bonanza, $15
Morish Junior, $15
Cadbury Freddo Family Deal, $25
Chatime – Bubble Tea Lovers, $25
Tasty, $30
The Mandalorian Bag, $30
Stella Athletic Autumn, $32
TOP 5 $10 AND UNDER
Kinder Happy Hippo, $10
Cadbury Dairy Milk, $5
Trolli Superbag, $10
Smith’s Super Snack Bag, $10
Slime Time, $10
TOP RIDES
Adrenaline-pumping action is sure to make you scream.
1. FREAK OUT
COUPONS 8. SCARE-O-METER: 3/3
2. POWER SURGE
COUPONS 7. SCARE-O-METER: 3/3
3. BREAKDANCE
COUPONS 6. SCARE-O-METER: 2/3
4. EXTREME
COUPONS 7. SCARE-O-METER: 3/3
5. BELL’S DODGEM CARS
COUPONS 6. SCARE-O-METER: 1/3
6. XXXL
COUPONS 10. SCARE-O-METER: 3/3
7. THE BEAST
COUPONS 15. SCARE-O-METER: 3/3
8. ROCK STAR
COUPONS 7. SCARE-O-METER: 2/3
9. SKYMASTER WHEEL
COUPONS 7. SCARE-O-METER: 1/3
10. AVIATOR
COUPONS 7. SCARE-O-METER: 3/3
FOOD
Let’s face it, the tastiest sensations at the Show are always served on a stick. Last year it was bacon. This year, showgoers will be even more tempted.
“Food on sticks has been a big feature this year … we have garlic bread on a stick, soft-shell crab on a stick, and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) on a stick,” the Show’s manager of operations and product development, Shane McGrath, said.
But the real hero of the Show is the dagwood dog, and now the taste sensation is even bigger than ever.
“No longer happy with a regular dagwood dog, we are serving two together,” Mr McGrath said.
SKINNY TONY’S MEATBALL SUB
Roasted meatballs smothered in a rich napolitana sauce and topped with parmesan and pesto served in a soft roll.
TWO-FOOT DAGWOOD DOG
This classic show icon on a stick has more bite with an extra dagwood dog deep-fried and dipped in tangy tomato sauce.
OCEAN BLUE SEAFOOD
Choose from some of your favourite seafood dishes, such as grilled barramundi and garlic prawns. The pièce de résistance is soft-shell crab on a stick.
LOADED CHURROS
Covered in chocolate, toppings and all things sweet. These loaded churros are sure to satisfy the sweetest of cravings.
BIG TONY’S ITALIAN STREET FOOD
Try garlic bread on a stick coated with special crumbs. Also available is the new mac n cheese dog and irresistible pizza burger.
RODEO PIE BAR
Sweet with cream, or savoury pies with mash and peas or mac and cheese. Try the funfetti cupcakes or supersized wagon wheel.
FISH AND LEMONADE
This is old-school fish in a sandwich or taco with a cold-pressed fresh lemonade in a variety of flavours.
CHIPS ON A STICK
Spiralled potato deep-fried on a stick with your choice of seasoning. Try this year’s new sensation, cheesy chips on a stick.
SUSHI HUB
Try the all-new sushi sandwich moulded into sandwich triangles, drizzled with mayonnaise. Don’t miss tamagoyaki on a stick – a Japanese omelette sprinkled with herbs.
WAFFLEPOPZ
This year waffles will be your favourite on a stick and smothered in your choices of ice cream, chocolate sauce, strawberries, bananas and nuts.
FIREPOP
These flavour-packed pops are grilled over charcoal and infused with secret marinades, cumin dukkah and chilli. Try the butter wagyu pops with sea salt flakes and tangy garlic chips.
DOLE WHIP
Cool down with a retro delicacy, the Dole Whip – a soft-serve pineapple-flavoured frozen dessert from the happiest place on Earth, Disneyland.
DEEP-FRIED BACON ON A STICK
Deep-fried to perfection by the boys behind Burger Head. Get your bacon on a stick, in a bucket or dipped in cheese.
WINE & DINE
At The Stables, The Loft restaurant showcases Sydney Royal medal-winning produce on a menu with a delicious Italian flavour. Enjoy a great selection of beer, cider or wine at Sydney Royal Wine Bar.
BIG BUSH BBQ
A sausage sizzle with a purpose. More than $30,000 was raised for regional NSW Show Societies in 2021, so buy a snag and support the societies manning the stand this year.
Originally published as Rain doesn’t deter Sydney crowds flocking to the Royal Easter Show
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