You can spend hundreds of dollars at the Ekka, but the magic is in humble reminders of an older Brisbane

A fun day at the Royal Queensland Show on a strict-ish budget seemed a tall order. But away from the hyper-commercial modernity, the Ekka’s roots still come throughGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAt first the assignment seems so simple as to barely qualify as a challenge: take a child to the Ekka for a day while spending less than $200. Until we buy tickets – with the added pre-purchase of the show’s iconic strawberry sundaes – for $60.We’re still to negotiate that churning sea of plastic toys and sugary treats that is showbag pavilion. Yet to brave the flashing lights and high-pitched screams of sideshow alley. Continue reading...