Every August, thousands of Queenslanders brave the Brisbane August winds to visit the Ekka for strawberry sundaes, exciting rides and fun filled show bags. But behind the attractions and family fun is a much richer, historically important story.
For nearly 150 years, The Royal Queensland Show has been connecting regional Queensland with the city of Brisbane and celebrating the stories, produce, skills and technologies of our great state.
Today, the Ekka remains one of Australia’s largest celebrations of agriculture and much like Mumbleberry Providore, continues to connect urban communities with the people who grow, raise and create the produce we enjoy every day.
What is ‘The Brisbane Ekka’ (Royal Queensland Show)?
The Royal Queensland Show – ‘The Ekka’ is Queensland’s longest running and largest agricultural event.
Originally established as an opportunity to showcase Queensland’s agricultural, industrial and horticultural achievements, the Royal Queensland Show gave regional Queensland farmers and producers an opportunity to exhibit livestock, crops, produce and innovations while connecting regional communities with Brisbane.
An event dedicated to showcasing Queensland produce and farmers since 1876, the Royal Queensland Show was originally held in Bowen Park in Bowen Hills, which is now the ‘Main Arena’ at the historical RNA (Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland) showgrounds on Gregory Terrace in Brisbane, Queensland, where it is still held today.
Why is The Royal Queensland Show still relevant?
Showcasing regional Queensland farmers and producers, sharing their skills, produce and connecting them with Brisbane businesses to share the latest technology and agricultural developments is vital for supporting innovation, strengthening regional economies and ensuring Queensland’s agricultural industries continue to thrive.
While ‘The Ekka’ has evolved into a true community-led event with rides, show bags, and live performances, the rich agricultural connection is still very strong and even today, The Ekka provides an opportunity for Queensland farmers, artisan food producers, livestock breeders and regional businesses to showcase their work to hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Where can you buy regional Queensland produce outside of ‘The Ekka’?
With the advancements of the internet and our postal system, sourcing produce from regional Australia has been made much easier in recent years. Getting online and researching the location, business or type of product you want will often yield great results but can be costly with freight.
At Mumbleberry, we specialize in showcasing all Australian, locally made, high quality produce that we source from all over the country with a strong focus on Queensland, both regional and South East Queensland. We have helped thousands of people discover quality, regional Queensland producers without the stress or hassle of dealing with order quantities and freight.
What sort of produce does regional Queensland offer?
Queensland is renowned for its rich landscape. Farming everything from premium beef like that used by Saison Salumi, tropical fruits and macadamias to also being home to incredible artists and indigenous produce like the bush tucker from My Dilly Bag.
Queensland is also home to the Australia’s only commercial cocoa bean farm; Charleys, growing and producing high quality, Australian Chocolate.
From incredible artisan ceramic artworks like Wolf and Clay, high quality, natural skin care from the Granite Belt with Washpool and local honey like Hive and Harvest, the agricultural and creative offering from regional Queensland is rich and diverse.
Why is The Royal Queensland Show held in August?
Historically, The Ekka was held in August because it coincided with the end of many of Queensland's traditional harvests. In 1876, August not only aligned with the end of the harvest but being the cooler winter season, it made it an ideal time for farmers to travel to Brisbane to showcase what that year’s harvest yielded. We continue to hold the Royal Queensland Show in August to honour this rich history and take full advantage of the milder Brisbane weather.
What are the benefits of buying produce from regional Queensland?
Queensland’s climate is perfect for growing and producing a wide range of high-quality products and as a result, Queensland boasts some of the highest quality produce in Australia.
Every purchase of Queensland-made produce helps support farming families, artisan makers and regional communities. While the Brisbane Ekka lasts only a short time each year, choosing locally made products throughout the year ensures the traditions, skills and businesses it celebrates continue to thrive for future generations.
Supporting Queensland’s and Australian producers isn’t just about buying great produce – it’s about preserving the stories, skills and communities that have shaped our state for generations. This is why Mumbleberry Providore is so proud to only stock Australian owned and made products.
