EKKA TIME

This is a time in the year which I enjoy a lot, not only because the temperatures are cool and the skies a deep blue but because this is when country comes to town. So much of what makes Australia is because of all the farmers out there, be they beef farmers or vegetable and fruit farmers who tend to the animals and grow the fruit and vegetables on the land, sometimes in very remote areas.  Recently a lot of the farming areas have been declared drought affected. This is not something which Australia is unfamiliar with but each time it happens there are devastating effects on the land and the animals and the farmers to whom they belong. The fact, that in spite of these hardships they come to Brisbane to put on a agricultural show which is unrivalled fills me with admiration and gratitude. So every year I volunteer and help out where I can, and this year was no exception. What gave me a kick this year is being asked to make a floral crown for Captain Cook who graced one of the sculpture parks. There are amazing sights that can be enjoyed at Ekka, starting with Captain Cook looking festive, displays of orchids and bromeliads, farm displays, the art and craft, the quilts, the steam engines and old tractors, the competitions for the best dogs, cats, cattle, horses and poultry, fashion shows, dance routines, wood chopping, drag racing, show jumping and fireworks every night to delight the thousands who flock there to enjoy the show with their families.