CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Brisbane and the surrounding regions are buzzing this week, as the Queensland Governor opens the gates to the happiest place on earth.
The Ekka is back! And Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds expects to host close to half a million excited visitors over the next fortnight.
Much like the Easter Show in Sydney, or the Royal Show in Melbourne – Brisbane’s annual Ekka is an exhibition of hobbyist competitions, carnival rides, showbags, live entertainment and the very best of Queensland agricultural from August 9–17.
However, with such a decentralised population throughout Queenslands – the Ekka has stayed true to the roots of an annual agricultural show, and remains very much a chance for the state’s country folk to showcase their industry and lifestyle with their friends in Brissy.
The city slickers also get a public holiday to take part in the Ekka festivities, with workplaces shutting down for People’s Day on Wednesday.
For 148 years, the Ekka has played the role of neutral ground between the bush and the city. It’s the only place where cattlemen and women find themselves mingling with the goths and punks that inhabit Queensland’s inner-city.
With Doc Marten boots treading the same ground as the RM Williams and Blundstones, many would expect the culture clash to be quite overwhelming for both of these two Queensland archetypes.
However, the Ekka has proven time and time again that the bushies and goths can indeed be friends, but only in these circumstances.
Representatives from The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) say this unlikely friendship between the bushies and goths is greatly aided by the help of the ‘showies’ who operate the rides and food stalls.
With a unique fashion sense and a taste for shock and horror, the travelling showmen and women – also known as ‘Carnies’ – sit somewhere in between between the goth subculture and the visiting agricultural producers. Their ability to engage with both communities plays an important role as the cultural buffer between the bushies and their trench-coat wearing Ekka counterparts
