The EKKA. Queensland slang for ‘The Exhibition”. Since its inception in 1876 it has been heralded as one of the state’s most well-known, well attended and much-loved events.
The EKKA has attracted over 33 million people through the gates over its lifetime and has played a vital role in not only showcasing all that makes agriculture great, but in keeping the connection between the city and the bush strong.
Rich in tradition, the EKKA has contributed to creating the diverse social fabric that underpins our Queensland community. Only two things have been able to stop the show going ahead over history, global pandemics and a world war. In 1919 the Spanish flu pandemic put a stop to the EKKA and in 1942 the showgrounds were used as a staging deport during World War II and the show did not proceed that year.
COVID disruptions have seen the EKKA cancelled for the past two years with organisers trying to do what they could with modified pop-up events, but this year it is promising to reunite the country and the city with an absolutely bumper event.
The famous strawberry sundae will be back along with ABC’s Bluey and Bingo who are strong favourites for many young Queenslanders. Stanthorpe’s Jim Baxter has already been named the winner of the EKKA’s iconic Giant Pumpkin Competition with a whopping 130 kilogram production lovingly curated over a 4 month growing period.
Many of our members will be taking the opportunity to exhibit at the show this year shining a light on the quality, innovation, and extraordinary achievements their commodity sectors are making in producing the world’s best food, fibre and foliage. QFF will also be hosting a keynote networking event as part of the EKKA which will bring together people from across the State in a true celebration of Queensland agriculture.
The past few years have been difficult for many, and in agriculture we continue to face our share of challenges including ongoing supply chain disruptions, escalating input costs and increasing workforce pressures.
Queensland agriculture has demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and an ongoing commitment to finding solutions and adapting the best way possible to ensure production continues. The EKKA this year will be the perfect platform to celebrate what the sector and rural communities have been able to achieve through difficult times, and a chance to look to the future to the new opportunities ahead.
The EKKA will run for nine days from August 6 to 14 and I encourage Queenslanders to get involved, come together and make 2022 a comeback year like no other. The EKKA, so much more than just an exhibition. QFF looks forward to seeing many of you there and work with us to keep the ties between the city and the bush in Queensland strong.