Huge show of support: Impressive turnout to Royal Darwin Show puts paid to early Covid fears
The 2021 Royal Darwin Show has defied early concerns around Covid-19 to draw one of the annual event’s biggest turnouts in recent years, with early estimates putting attendance in the ballpark of 55,000 people.
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THE 2021 Royal Darwin Show has defied early concerns around Covid-19 to draw one of the annual event’s biggest turnouts in recent years, with early estimates putting attendance in the ballpark of 55,000 people.
The three-day community event, which celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, welcomed thousands of people through the Darwin Showground gates on Saturday for one last day of impressive agricultural displays, heart-pounding rides and delicious fairground food.
Highlights included the closing grand parade, judging for the overall best exhibitor award which went to Merry Petrick, and a fireworks grand finale at 9pm.
Royal Agricultural Society of the NT chief executive Cherry Court said the show had attracted a huge turnout over its three days, especially on the Friday public holiday which had drawn some of the biggest numbers she had seen in her 20-year involvement with the event.
She said while organisers did not yet have final numbers, at this stage they believed roughly 55,000 people had attended.
“I think (the 2021 show) would be bigger than 2019, I can say that with confidence,” she said.
“Going purely on attendance, it’s certainly up there as one of our biggest in the last few years.”
Ms Court said the high turnout was an amazing result for an event that just weeks ago was at risk of not going ahead due to a Covid-19 lockdown in Greater Darwin.
“I think it proves the relevance of the show, and that what the show offers is something that people want to experience,” she said.
Society vice-president and Rotary Hall co-ordinator Pam Hamill said the committee had still received thousands of entries this year despite submissions being down due to Covid-fuelled uncertainty around the show.
“(The show) just has a really good feel to it this year,” she said.
“I think people appreciate being out and about.
“Covid’s changed things – people are more family oriented and have gone back to those activities where you use your hands and grow your own food, and this showcases that.”
The farm animals pavilion was packed throughout Saturday as families flocked there for the chance to pat rabbits, goats and chickens.
Coolalinga resident Helen Gordon, who entered a number of goats and chickens from her farm into the show, said it was great to see so many people supporting this year’s event.
“I’m glad it’s gone ahead,” she said.
“Look all the people (here), and the kids. It’s great to see.”
HUGE PUMPKIN SMASHES RECORDS
FORGET rides, show bags and fast food – the main attraction at the 2021 Royal Darwin Show was a giant pumpkin weighing in at almost 300kg.
Grown by Darwin doctor Dr Daniel Campbell at a property in Leanyer, the 281kg pumpkin has set a new record as the heaviest to ever be entered into the show.
It is about 100kg heavier than the previous record holder.
Horticultural Pavilion chairwoman Wendy Flanagan said Dr Campbell’s “spectacular” pumpkin had attracted big crowds throughout the show.
“It’s an attraction where people say, ‘how did you do it’? And it’s a knack, it’s probably a bit of luck as well … and of course it also depends on the season,” she said.
“It has been a real drawcard this year and I’m absolutely thrilled to bits that people have gotten so much enjoyment out of it.”
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