USC historian revels in Ekka’s rich tales
Fireworks, carnival rides and a feast of food and entertainment are set to follow the launch of a book co-authored by University of the Sunshine Coast Associate Professor of History Joanne Scott.
That’s because the 250-page book – “Showtime: A History of the Brisbane Exhibition” – will be released in time for Brisbane’s annual celebration of its beloved Ekka from August 7-16.
The publication’s official launch was held today (Thursday 24 July) at the Queensland Museum where the book is featuring in a major social history exhibition about the Ekka called “10 days in August”.
Dr Scott and Dr Ross Laurie of the University of Queensland spent four years researching the show’s 132-year history to produce a record that details everything about the Ekka, from food and fashion to agricultural displays and entertainment.
“It’s one of the oldest, almost-continuous, events in Queensland and we thought it would be a great way to help record the history of Queensland,” Dr Scott said.
“The Ekka tells us all sorts of things about the community’s values and aspirations. It’s often about competition, progress, development and also about inclusiveness.
“And it remains the meeting place for country and city. People enjoy the fact that you can go and see the cattle and horses and poultry and other wonderful agricultural displays."
Dr Scott said the book included plenty of interesting and amusing tales about Exhibition organisers and volunteers, catering crises, and the ever-changing array of trade displays and competition categories.
“There was certainly a real emphasis on innovation for the first 80 years of the show," she said. "It was the place to see motor cars for the first time, or to see a television or try out a telephone.
“And going on the bumper cars would have been the first time many people would have heard rock ’n’ roll music coming through two tinny speakers.”
The book, which contains 200 illustrations dating back to the first show in 1876, has been published by University of Queensland Press.
— Terry Walsh