AU2008 - Sydney Royal Easter Show

Claimed to be Australia’s largest annual event, the Easter Show is a nationally iconic showcase of Australian culture and heritage. The Show aims to recognise achievements in agriculture through competition, and promote awareness among city Show-goers, honouring Australia’s agricultural heritage whilst providing a platform for the future. Held at the Sydney Olympic Park, we had to travel by train from Fairy Meadow to Sydney Central,…

 

Group photo at Central while waiting for the next train

 

… and then from Central to Olympic Park station to get to the show.

 

At the entrance

 

Upon arriving, the first thing we looked out for was food.

 

We had fish and chips at one of the picnic benches

 

After lunch, its time to explore what the Show had to offer. Besides showing Australian agricultural heritage, the show was also complemented with live music, extreme action performances, entertainment, sideshow, food, rides, and shopping. Our first stop was at the Carlton Draught stall, where we get to sample free beer.

 

Cheers …

 

Then, its game time. First came the hammer-Ring …

 

 

… followed by Tossing of RINGS …

 

 

… shooting RINGS …

 

 

and lastly, bowl-RING!!

 

 

We tried all the RING-ings to try to win some soft toys and dolls.

 

Prizes

 

Disappointingly, we only got a tiny one. Anyway, moving on, we checked out the rides …

 

Its a bird, its a plane, its a …

 

… but I guess shopping was a better option. So, we went into the Show-bags central to see if we could get some bargains.

 

Showbags

 

 

After all the fun, we decided to wander around to see what other things were being showcased. We managed to bump into the cool NSW Police Force’s Mounted Police Unit.

 

NSW Police Horse

 

Wandering further down, we arrived at one of the animal sheds. There were several sheds consisting of mainly farm animals.

 

Animal shed

 

However, since it was too smelly, we decided to move on when a dog competition was almost starting. We saw a group of people walking their dog like a parade into the stage.

 

Dog competition parade

 

We also had the chance to check out some old vintage vehicles on display.

 

Antique vehicles

 

Finally, its time to go.

 

Exit

 

Obviously, the Show is not just about the games, rides and showbags.

 

Officially, it is estimated that around 15,000 competitors showcase the very best in breeds and livestock, art, food and produce each year at the Show, competing for a prestigious Sydney Royal Blue Ribbon yearly. There were also interactive education stalls providing hands-on farming experiences, food production demonstrations, cooking shows, animal nursery and much more. Not to be miss is also the live music featuring Australia’s hottest talent on the stage, extreme entertainment, street and sideshow performances, comedy and cultural shows. Last but not the least, shopping at the Show provides a one-of-a-kind retail experience featuring gourmet Australian food and wine, home and garden products, hand-made clothing, arts and crafts, Show-bags, and health and beauty products.

 

To sum it all, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a world class event unique to the Australian culture.

AU2008 - Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

It was reported that up to 300,000 people lined Sydney's streets to watch the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Saturday as the largest gay pride march in the Asia Pacific region marked its 30th anniversary.

 

Celebrating 30 years of Mardi Gras!!

 

It was also reported that there were 10,000 costumed participants sashaying through the city during the parade. Previously staged at a time when male homosexuality was still illegal in New South Wales, the Mardi Gras has now become better known as a sequin-adorned extravaganza that attracts tourists from around the world and pumps millions of dollars into the city's coffers.

 

Starting point of the parade

 

Without waiting for the parade to start later at night when its too dark to take any pictures, we decided to walk around the starting point of the parade and gave the actual parade a miss.

 

Due to the huge 30th anniversary celebration, more international participants joined the parade for the year.

 

 An event with an international participation

 

Besides that, the usual decorated floats and costumes proved to be a major hit during the event.

 

Pictures around the starting point during the event

 

I guess the most shocking moment was to see children involved in the parade.

 

Is it really OK to expose children to the event?

 

And lastly, our group picture during the event before we leave.

 

Group photo