Qld: Strong crowds continue on day two of Ekka 2009

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2009
Qld: Strong crowds continue on day two of Ekka 2009

BRISBANE, Aug 7 AAP - Fireworks, live rock music, laser shows and the show's first
ever lamb birth awed a strong crowd on day two of the Brisbane Ekka for 2009.

Formally known as the Royal Queensland Show, the crowd at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds
enjoyed the spectacle under sunny skies on Friday.

An Ekka spokeswoman said while 2008 was a bumper year for crowds, the show was tracking
along for a similar result in 2009.

Coincidentally, as the Ekka's official opening show was kicking off at 5pm (AEST) on
Friday, the Sunny Queen Little Miracle Newborn Corner birthed its first ever Ekka lamb.

Entertainment highlights on Friday included the Trackskill V8 Ute Challenge between
Ford and Holden, the Stockman's Challenge and a prime beef sale.

Paul Dempsey, lead singer for Something for Kate, also wowed crowds with his new solo
work on the Nova Live and Loud stage.

Day three of the show on Saturday will kick off with a beef taste-off at 8.30am (AEST)
at the Taste of Queensland Stage in the Woolworth's Fresh Food Pavilion.

The taste-off is a palate competition, where a portion of strip loin is prepared and
cooked by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries scientists and judged.

Sheep dog trials, a jet-truck, the Young Farmers Challenge, the City Meets Country
Ball and a Celebrity MasterChef cooking show are just some of the other highlights planned
for Saturday.

AAP djb/apm

KEYWORD: EKKA

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