Remembering the Ekka - Fun Friday

I'm still playing catch up for August so this post is about the annual Royal Brisbane Show (Ekka). Our family went on People's Day Wednesday 10th August, which is the day of the local public holiday. We only decided the night before that we might go so I had a search of the official website to see what would be the main attractions that we would want to see. We quickly decided that seeing the fireworks would be a highlight so we would go later in the day so the children wouldn't get too tired.

We decided to not tell the girls about the plan in case the weather wasn't suitable. We had planned for a kitchen designer to visit us about lunch time as well so we planned to fit things in the day OK. We wanted to leave for the Ekka at about 2:30pm. The kitchen designer did a very through job and by the end of his visit DH was hurrying him up so we could get going. He left at 2:15 and we were out the door by 2:30pm. I don't think we have ever gotten ready to go out so quickly before.

We entered near the children's sideshow alley so some rides for the girls were first on the agenda. We then headed to the dog pavilion and then the Agricultural Hall (with big displays made of fruit & veges). I remember seeing similar displays as a child. We then headed for some afternoon tea and then Animal Boulevard. There were plenty of animals on display, horses, fish, birds, ewes giving birth, beef cattle, dairy cows being milked and an animal nursery. The 4 girls really enjoyed seeing all the animals. While we were there we saw a family from school and mum who was in my Mother's group when Miss C was a baby, I haven't since her for over 6 years. A few more rides were then on the cards. Dodgems were a favourite for DH (big kid) and Miss C.

I then persuaded the rest of the family to look at the cooking and crafts displays. The decorated cakes were impressive and the other baking made us all feel hungry. I enjoyed looking at the sewing and handicrafts. The girls were interested for a while but we skipped the painting and photography sections.

Strawberry ice creams and show bags were next on the agenda but the lines for both meant a change of plans. It was time for dinner. At least one Dagwood dog (corn dog) was consumed but we didn't give in to the pleas for fairy floss. After dinner we searched for seats in the stands around the arena to watch the night program. We ended up walking to the opposite side of the arena to get seats in the third back row.
Once the family was settled I headed back to the other side of the arena to get Strawberry ice creams. I really wanted one. It would make my Ekka experience complete.
This is the official description from here.  The Ekka Strawberry Sundae is mouth-watering top to bottom-from the crunchy wafer cone to the smooth vanilla ice-cream, sweet chopped strawberries, delicious awardwinning handmade gourmet ice-cream, swirls of fresh cream and topped off with a tasty fresh Queensland strawberry.
 I search for another stand with a shorter line but I ended up in the long line waiting for 6 ice creams. I then had to very gingerly walk back to our seats, with strawberries threatening to fall and general ice cream wobbles. I am saw I was a sight. I made it back and ice creams were consumed as we watched a precision driving team, motocross stunts and Monster trucks. I could not believe how exciting my DD's were to see these motorised acts.
I missed on the National anthem and some cattle mustering. The night was finished off with a great fire works display. Miss F had the best smile on her face. She really loved it.

I am really glad that we made the effort to go with all the children. I haven't been since before children and DH took DD#1 C & #2 D 4 years ago so they didn't remember it this time. I was almost due with DD#3 and could barely walk, so I didn't go that time. I remember going with my grandparents as a child so I hope the older girls might remember this when they are older. Great memories for us anyway.

I had to be wicked again

It is such a great show. I have been here and here. On Friday I lined up with my 4 DD in tow to try and win $35 tickets in the Wicked lottery.  We were in the area anyway as I have to pick up DD#4 F's medication from the local hospital pharmacy on Friday afrternoons. We waited for 30 minutes for the draw. We didn't win any tickets.

DD#3 E was very disappointed. Big bottom lip came out and general sad face. I wasn't too disappointed. I just started planning another opportunity to try and win some tickets.

Well after church on Sunday I got DH to drop me and DD#1 C off at QPAC for another try. First we had lunch and went for a short vist to GoMA. We didn't past the Ground Floor, there is so much to see. We headed back to QPAC and put our names in the draw. Having two of us there increased our chances. I won two tickets. I called a friend straight away to see if she could come. Unfortunately she couldn't make it but her sister (also a good friend of mine) came along. Even though the seats were sight restricted it was fabulous. The seats were in the second row and one the opposite side to the previous two times I went so I got a different viewpoint.

I also bought the US soundtrack two weeks ago. I am not obsessed. A few other at the lottery draw had seen over twenty times.

Having fun

I really enjoyed seeing Wicked again. Such talented performers. Maybe I have enjoyed it so much because I hardly ever see musicals but I really think it is because it is a really good show. Going a third time might be over doing it.

I have just finished reading Emma a couple of days ago. I was rereading it for a book club that my community group is starting. I own the movie - Gwyneth Paltow version. I usually read books fairly quickly, so the 2 weeks it took me to get through Emma felt like a long time. I found it had going reading the early English and working out what was being said.  But I am looking forward to discussing it wiht the rest of the group although I don't think I'll be very literary in my contribution.

Also I'm looking forward to catching up with a friend tomorrow for morning tea. I could say we are going out for coffee but neither of us drink coffee but it should be good to catch up.