The Royal Show has returned to Wayville for the first time since 2019, drawing thousands of people for the opening weekend and Father’s Day. (Image: Sophie Holder)
By Sophie Holder | @SophieHolder26
For many of us, the last time we walked into the Wayville Showgrounds was in 2021 for our COVID-19 vaccinations.
But this September, the Royal Adelaide Show has returned with a bang after years of cancellation.
Attracting an average of half a million visitors annually, organisers say it has the highest per capita attendance of any Royal Show in Australia.
The resounding opinion among participants and attendees is that everyone is glad to have it back.
For Kangaroo Island Olives general manager, Michael, the Royal Adelaide Show offers the perfect opportunity to showcase their local produce and interact with customers face-to-face.
“It gives us the opportunity to interact with customers, try new products, get real time feedback, and just find out what they’re using our products for,” he said.
“Nothing beats face to face; nothing beats that real time reaction… it’s irreplaceable.”
This sentiment was echoed by many local producers and companies, including FruChocs Glynde manager, Alice.
“The customers are really eager,” she said.
“They haven’t been out for the last three years, so it’s been very busy.”
The show is a time of fun and joy for visitors, but vendors were quick to remember times of struggle amid event cancellations and lockdowns.
For Troy of All Star Amusements, the closures were nothing short of depressing.
“It was a shock getting real jobs too; it was different,” he said.
“But it’s nice to be back and to see more customers too.”
It was hard to wander the grounds without thought of COVID-19, but crowds were ready to enjoy a beautiful spring day after so many years away.
Though for many the highlights of the show are the food and the amusement rides, it’s important to remember what Royal Shows are based on: agriculture.
For dairy cattle farmer, Tom, the Royal Adelaide Show is an important time – even if he spends most of it cleaning up after his cattle.
“It’s a really good gathering for the breeders who don’t see each other often except for shows like this,” he said.
“There’s a lot of history behind it; a lot of my family have been doing this for generations.”
Ultimately though, Tom loves the opportunity to show city folk some farm animals.
“It’s good for the city to see the country,” he said.
For me, after noticing the sticks carried by animal handlers, I learnt they are tools for calming the cattle.
And according to a young buckeroo, it’s commonplace for the humans to have a drink to calm their own nerves – and the cattle’s too.
The Royal Adelaide Show will be running until Sunday, September 11.
For more information and tickets, you can visit show website.
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