WEC Class Notes

  The first show Bowen Park was chosen in January 1876 as the site for the first ever Royal Queensland Show. The park covered 6.8 hectares bordered by Bowen Bridge Road, Gregory Terrace and a creek which ran through the middle of what is now the Main Arena. The Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876 was held from 22 to 26 August. A public holiday was declared and on opening day 17,000 people attended - a colossal success given that the total population of Brisbane at the time was only 22,000. Men attended in their suits and ladies in their finest garments. Food was served on long tables and the first showbag - a bag of coal - was free for all visitors. The origin of Ekka The first 'Royal' Show was held in 1921, when the Association was granted the prefix under warrant from His Majesty King George V. Since then, the shortened name 'Ekka' has replaced 'Exhibition' in the Queensland vernacular, indicating locals' affection for the show. Ekka has since been he...

  Deep into Japanese snow season, the northern city of Sapporo hosts the country’s largest winter festival Japan has long been considered a leading winter destination, thanks to its powdery slopes and heavy snowfall. From February 4-11, 2024, the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) turns the capital of Hokkaido into a frozen wonderland, attracting huge crowds. Visitors can wander the snowy streets and marvel at hundreds of snow and ice sculptures on display across the city. Now in its 71st year, the festival is a phenomenal way to experience winter in Japan and makes a great jumping-off point for those keen to explore the local alps.  Japanese snow season in the northern city of Sapporo. History By Japanese festival standards, the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri is relatively modern. The first iteration took place in 1950 when local students created six snow sculptures in Odori Park – a haven of greenery running 1.5km through the city’s centre. Snowball fights and a carnival were also p...