The Ekka. The Headache.

The Ekka's first show was held on the 22nd of August in 1876 - showcasing the latest technologies in farming, animal parades and champion breeds, a sideshow alley, woodchopping, cooking contests, fashion parades and entertaining crowds with carnival rides and junk food, its a Brisbane tradition that has lasted 133 years. In 1876, the Ekka ran for 4 days, but today the gates are open for 10 - an indication of the events rise in profitability (significantly boosting Brisbanes economy) and overall popularity - today over 600,000 visitors attend the Ekka, held at the 'Brisbane Exhibition Ground'.

My Mother bought me a ticket, along with the whole family. Previously I had no intention of going, having never expressed interest or curiousity - agriculture was never really the sort of thing that tickled me; these shows never do. And considering who I am, leaning far more to the Arts faculty - farming equipment, cows and sheep fail to catch my attention. But then, judging by what I've heard and by what I've seen showcased by the half-hour Nightly News Broadcasts, the Ekka looks to be a rich, positive and memorable expeirience. Having moved to Brisbane from a small New South Wales coastal town a year and a half ago, our family really never had anything to do or go and see. We became a family whose outings became synonymous with the consumption of food and drink - small town culture. Only now, having moved to the big smoke where there's opportunity, events and things to see, have we changed the reasons for our outings.

So on the Sunday, when it was time to go. I stayed in Bed. Hungover.