Aggie’s Farm returns for Royal Adelaide Show along with new wheelchair-friendly ferris wheel and quiet hours

A free farmers market for kids, specially designed ferris wheel and designated quiet times are among initiatives to make the Royal Adelaide Show more inviting than ever before.

Aggie’s Farm will make its return following its successful debut at last year’s show. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Kids will have the chance to become farmers for the day at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show with Aggie’s Farm back, bigger and better than before.

Farmers can dig up carrots and potatoes, pick fruit, collect eggs and grain, and visit two new stops to catch fish and shear (fake) sheep on their way to the farmer’s market to exchange their goods for a prize.

Free, fun and educational, the debut of Aggie’s Farm was a highlight of last year’s show with 112,000 people stopping by with organisers keen to teach more kids about agriculture this year.

“It’s really important for kids to learn about where their food comes from and the crop-to-shop cycle through hand-on learning,” a spokeswoman for the Royal Adelaide Show said.

“[This year] we have introduced a Catch A Fish (miniature boats and rods) and Shear a Sheep (fake sheep!) activations to include even more aspects of our primary industries.”

Tate Blackeby and Maxwell Pearce, both 3, check out Aggie’s Farm at the Royal Adelaide Show. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Families can also capture action shots while working through the farm with agricultural backdrops in place along with an artsand crafts display.

Aggie’s Farm is one of 100 free activities on offer this year, providing a budget-safe option for families, the spokeswoman said.

“Providing free activities like Aggie’s Farm at the Show is essential for ensuring that all families, regardless of theirbudget, can enjoy a fun and educational experience together.”

Presented by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions and The Advertiser, Aggie’s Farm is open from 9am from Saturday, 31 August to Saturday, 7 September.

NEW FERRIS WHEEL

The best view of the city will be more accessible with the addition of a new ferris wheel and sensory hours at the Royal Adelaide Show.

The 35m Crown Wheel has enclosed gondolas with access for wheelchairs, ensuring the panoramic views can be enjoyed by more people at this year’s event.

The second large ferris wheel will be installed at the southern end of the grounds and is part of a new initiative called Carnival Quiet Hour, set for 9.30am – 10.30am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The hour will carnival operators turning off their music, strobes and lights to ensure the show is more inclusive and accessible.

Communication boards, created in consultation with Autism SA therapists, will also support people who communicate differently or are non-verbal.

They are located at all kiosks and the show office.

Royal Adelaide Show Carers room. Kate Quinn (Carer), Anneliese Thompson and her dog Neko the Cavoodle, emotional support dog. Picture: Sarah Reed Photography

The SACARE Carer’s Lounge will also return for its second year, giving families and carers a respite space while at the show.

Carer Kate Quinn said the sensory rooms allowed for a break from the show’s atmosphere that could “get a bit overwhelming”.

“This space gives people that dignity. Here they can be like everyone else and go and have their needs seen to,” she said.

“We (able-bodied people) take for granted that we have spaces that we can utilise, now people who need care are no longerlimited in what they can do to enjoy the event like everyone else.”

Royal Adelaide Show chief executive Will Rayner said it was hoped the new inclusions meant more people could enjoy the event.

“We want the Royal Adelaide Show to be a place where all South Australians can find joy and excitement,” he said.

“This means we constantly strive to provide entertainment and attractions that are accessible, affordable and inclusive.”

NEW RIDES

A new electrifying 360 degree rotation ride is set to give adrenaline junkies the ultimate thrill of a lifetime at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show.

The extreme ride, The Joker will join the show’s exciting list of rides, along with the family friendly Beach Party – which speeds up at night to become a hair-raising thrill.

As one of the scariest rides in the show’s history, passengers will be swung 24 metres above the crowd while braving 4.5g’s of negative force as the ride’s main arms swing 180 degrees while the seats rotate to give passengers a wind whirling experience.

Last year, the ride first debuted at the Queensland’s royal show, The Ekka, with the ride’s manager Adam Baldacchino saying punters will be racing back for more excitement.

“It offers a totally unique and different sensation that’s ever been offered in a travelling amusement ride in the country,” Mr Baldacchino told The Courier Mail.

Showgoers can also brave the heart racing rides No Limit, standing 42 metre high or the Kamikaze, where two gondolas swing in a full circle upside down about 20 metres in the air.

FEATURED RIDES

The Joker

A 24m high ride that spins 360-degrees with a 4.5g negative force in two rotating movements. The two main arms will swing between 180 degrees as each of the two individual sets of fours seats freely loop.

Must be at least 140cm tall to ride.

Beach Party

A family friendly ride with rotating movements as it smoothly carries riders 6 metres high into the air in spinning cars and carriages.

Must be at least 140cm tall to ride.

Sky Flyer

A family friendly chain ride (with a twist) that stands 35 metres above the carnival for riders to experience the breathtaking scenery.

Must be at least 122cm tall to ride.

No Limit

A heart thumping 42m high ride that imitates flying a F1-11.

Must be at least 140cm tall to ride but not above 200cm.

Kamikaze

A Two gondolas ride that swings in opposite directions in a complete circle, with riders flung upside down about 20 metres through the air.

The Enchanted Circus

A returning family favourite that is the largest travelling funhouse in the Southern Hemisphere. The modern masterpiece, which features over 4000 lights, takes passengers through an interactive maze of fun, hoisted 14 metres above the crowd.

Must be at least 122cm tall to ride.

Crazy Cups

A returning family friendly (and favourite) ride that features six spinning tea cups on a turning platform, perfect for little kiddies who want a taste of thrilling show ride.

Hampton Motorbikes

A rotating ride for young kids that features a horn and flashing lights on each motorcycle, that goes over a jump and a ‘pop a wheelie’.

Must be at least 90cm tall to ride.

Rockin’ Tug

This family friendly rockin’ adventure gives a taste of an ocean tugboat, as little riders rock, shake and scream (with joy) when the horn sounds go off.

MEET AND GREET WITH EMMA MEMMA

Veteran children’s entertainer Emma Watkins will bring her beloved orange character Emma Memma to meet with fans at the Royal Adelaide Show for the first time next month.

Watkins, best known for her role as the Yellow Wiggle, said she just finished touring Adelaide last month and was now looking forward to returning for the show.

“We are so thrilled to be bringing some Emma Memma magic to the Royal Adelaide Show for the first time this year!” she said.

“We had the best time with so many families coming to join us in Norwood and Gawler, so now to be back at the Show is very exciting.”

“So come along in your favourite dress ups and we will see you there.”

Watkins brought Emma Memma to life in 2022, a year after leaving The Wiggles, where she made her mark as the first female member of the group.

Emma Memma, whose shows include singing, dancing and sign language, has grown in popularity and will have a dedicated show bag for sale at the event.

Marketing Manager Jordan Philp said the show was “thrilled to welcome Emma Memma this year”

“Her message of positivity and inclusion aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Show,” he said.

“For many South Australian families, the Show is where cherished memories are made, and we’re constantly seeking ways to add new experiences and extra value for every visitor.

Emma Memma. Picture: Supplied

“Emma Memma’s appearance is just one of over 100 free activities available throughout the nine days, including extended midweek children’s entertainment with favourites like Bluey, Dirtgirl, and Kangaroo Beach.”

Emma Memma will be holding a meet and greet at the Showbag Pavilion on September 8 from 10am to 1pm.

Originally published as Aggie’s Farm returns for Royal Adelaide Show along with new wheelchair-friendly ferris wheel and quiet hours