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The Ekka Has Landed: QLD's Most Beloved Event Of All.

The Royal Queensland Show has been around since 1876.
Some little cowboys enjoying the fun and games of Ekka.
Ekka
Some little cowboys enjoying the fun and games of Ekka.

Dagwood dogs, hair-raising rides, giant pumpkins and more-than-three little piggies....It's THAT time of the year again when anybody close to Brissy flocks to the Ekka - the Royal Queensland Show, which is running from today until August 14.

Ekka is all about celebrating the achievements of the Sunshine State and attracts visitors from across the nation. The very first Ekka was held in 1876 and is now the state's most popular event, with annual visitors adding up to more than 400,000.

One of the highlights this year will be the father of an axe-wielding toddler, seven-time champion Jamie Head. His one year old boy, Darcy, is quickly following in his father's footsteps but will be at Ekka watching his dad try to win the wood-chopping event for the eighth time.

If wood chopping isn't your thing, you can spend the better half of the day choosing what to eat - in fact tossing up between a dagwood dog and a strawberry sundae ice-cream might be the toughest thing you do all day.

Strawberry sundae ice creams are usually an Ekka hit.
ekka
Strawberry sundae ice creams are usually an Ekka hit.

The Ekka dog shows are always popular for the large variety of pooches on display. Every four-legged friend is a winner, of course!

Ekka

There will be a colourful assortment of giant vegetables. Here's a photo from last year's Ekka of 'Jim' and his giant pumpkin which weighed in at 184 kilograms to take out 2nd place.

Jim's giant pumpkin weighed in at 184 kgs.
Ekka
Jim's giant pumpkin weighed in at 184 kgs.

Queenslanders also have the opportunity to showcase all the fabulous varieties of jams - no doubt scones and cream are hovering in the background.

Award winning jams on display at Ekka
Ekka
Award winning jams on display at Ekka

Aside from the showbags and rides, for many kids it's a chance to mingle with farmers and see the products of their hard work, up close. One of the biggest highlights for young and old is always the baby animals...cue the barrage of 'awwww's.'

More than three little piggies at Ekka.
ekka
More than three little piggies at Ekka.
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