annual report 2007 where City meets Country - the RNA

Visit from HerMajesty QueenElizabeth IIand PrincePhillipAutomaticchairliftopenedInternationalSpringbokTour wherea two metrechain wirefence waserected toseparate theplayers fromthe spectatorsYear ofWorld Expo88. The EkkAattendancewas morethan 800, 000– the highestattendanceever recordedInner CityBypass isconstructed inBrisbane andSideshow Alleyand WoodchopArena areredeveloped asa resultFluffyFestival at theShowgrounds199620002005If the RNA Showgrounds couldtalk, its stories would have uscaptivated. For that we have tothank the wonderful foresight of asmall group of Queenslanders whomet in the Brisbane Town Hallin 1875 (less than two decadesafter separation from New SouthWales), to form the ‘NationalAgricultural and IndustrialAssociation of Queensland’.They purchased the land for theRNA Showgrounds and set outto promote the agricultural andindustrial development of the-thencolony, and provide an opportunityfor country and urban residentsto come together in celebration ofQueensland life and leisure.Over the years, the RNAShowgrounds have hosted allmanner of people and events fromthe international cricket in 1928to the Livid Music Festivals andof course the Royal QueenslandShow; our EkkA!In 1876 the EkkA – or, to use itsthen-official title, The IntercolonialExhibition – began. From thestart it was a success. Around17,000 people (close to the entirepopulation of Brisbane) dressed upin their finery, paid around 25 centsand poured through the gates of theBowen Hills RNA Showgrounds.One hundred and thirty twoyears later, the anticipation andexcitement of the Show (nowofficially the Royal QueenslandShow) coming to town is as strongas ever.The RNA Showgrounds embodysomething different to everyone,but one thing is certain, it is theessence of Queensland culture,lifestyle and people – steeped inBrisbane’s history. And we love it!Commerce andExhibitionBuildings areconstructedat the RNAShowgroundsThe firstHumanCannonballis the hitattractionat EkkA;and the RNAredevelopmentMasterplan islaunched inNovember ofthis yearRNA Annual Report 2007 7