Ekka 2012 Information Guide

Entertainment / AROUND THE SHOWGROUNDSAROUND THE SHOWGROUNDSA trip to the Ekka remains Queensland’s number one great family value eventwith hundreds of free attractions and activities each day.Commonwealth Bank Auditoriumdirtgirl is a gumboot-wearing girl who grows awesometomatoes, knows cloud names and drives a big orangetractor. dirtgirlworld features includes a line-up of much lovedcharacters who live sustainably and in tune with nature—following the seasons, caring for their gardens and friends,building what they need from what they find and conservingresources. They do all of this while also taking the time out todaydream, gaze at the stars and find wild places. The dirtgirlEco-Factor Show, explores the natural world and invites theaudience to ‘go get grubby’ in the big world outside. Theshow will be held in the Commonwealth Bank Auditoriumtwice daily and is filled with lots of music from the favouriterating television series plus everything kids need to knowabout being eco-friendly.Shane St James is a master of the power of suggestion.In fact he’s been practicing the art of mass suggestion on avery wide scale for many years. And when Shane suggests...people comply! Australia’s very own hypnotist is headingto the Ekka with a mission to give visitors a good belly laugh.With two one-hour shows daily, the Commonwealth BankAuditorium will be filled with laughter as Shane’s volunteerslook into his eyes.Traditional favourites, the Commonwealth Bank Cottonand Wool Parades, will also be on stage at 12.30pm, 1.30pm,2.30pm daily and 3.30pm on the first Saturday and B105People’s Day.After kids shows, hypnotists, fashion parades and MissShowgirl competitions, the Commonwealth Bank Auditoriumwill turn into the home of great concerts. The renownedTen Tenors and multi award-winning band Eskimo Joe willbring show stopping performances on August 12 and 18respectively. See page 35 for more information.Suncorp Celebrity Cricket MatchMore than 80 years after Sir Donald Bradman played atthe RNA Showgrounds in the first Australia versus EnglandInternational Test in Queensland, the ENERGEX CommunityArena will again host some legends of the game. Ekka 2012will be sent off in true Queensland style as five cricketinggreats, including Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath, dontheir whites and take to the field at 4.30pm on August 18.Ekka visitors have the opportunity to play alongside andmeet and greet their sporting icons in this fun activity forthe whole family.The Garden Platform (located in the BrisbaneMarkets Agricultural Hall)Green thumbs are being treated at this year’s Ekka with theintroduction of a brand new stage dedicated to encouraginginvolvement in all things horticultural. Indulge your sensesand share tips with some of Queensland’s biggest gardeningenthusiasts on The Garden Platform—the Ekka’s newestattraction. Located in the Brisbane Markets AgriculturalHall and surrounded by a bright and colourful display ofcordylines, orchids, bromeliads, bonsai plants and Australiannatives, The Garden Platform features presentations fromexperts including ABC Gardening Australia presenter JerryColeby-Williams, florist Phoebe Stephens and 4BC radio’sClair Levander. With tips on how to eat from your ownbackyard, garden to kitchen cooking demonstrations anda scarecrow making activity for kids, The Garden Platformshould not be missed.The Courier-Mail Ekka Adventure TrailProviding hours of entertainment for families as they embarkon a scavenger hunt, The Courier-Mail Ekka Adventure Trailallows people to ‘build their own showbag’ by receiving a freegift from participating exhibitors while exploring the Ekkaat the same time. For the first time, participants will be ableto track their progress on the Ekka iPhone App, presentedby The Courier-Mail, and go in the draw to win a DolphinGetaway Package for a family of four to Tangalooma IslandResort. Pick up The Courier-Mail Ekka Adventure Trail bookletand begin your adventure.Commonwealth Bank Fashion andWorkshop StageFrom India to Latin America, the Commonwealth BankFashion and Workshop Stage in the John Reid Wool Pavilionhas it all. The Bollyfunk dance troop will showcase epic talesof love and betrayal, punctuated by fast-paced, high-energydance sequences at 3.30pm on August 11 and 12, while LatinX will perform the Salsa, the Merengue and the Cha Chaon August 11, 12, 15 and 18. Ekka visitors can get the runwaylook with Sorbet Fashion workshops and brush up on theirhair style and make-up routine with Stefan masterclasses.Some of Queensland’s most articulated speakers will alsotake the stage each morning of the Ekka to recite the bestof their favourite original poems. Mums and bubs can alsolearn special exercises including cardio, strength and toningfrom the experts at Bliss Active. With different events heldcontinuously throughout the Ekka, don’t forget to drop bythe Commonwealth Bank Fashion and Workshop Stage.Ekka Media Kit 2012 37