We ventured to the Canberra Show today.
As usual, I was there to check out what was drawing the crowds. The toddler's objective was to see a pig, and hubs was just hoping to get out alive....
Sideshow alley always draws a crowd. Interesting as not much has changed in the 30-odd years I've been visiting shows. Sure, the rides are bigger, faster and scarier each year, but the queues for the dodgem cars and ferris wheel were consistent and the toddler enjoyed playing the "clowns" just as I did in my youth.
Sideshow alley as seen from the (children's) ferris wheel.
The animal nursery was crowded as usual. Lots of families enjoying the chance to get up close to baby animals. This year the toddler was delighted to meet a deer, there with its best friend, a pony.
I think this is what's meant by looking like a "deer in headlights"
I'd love it if the animal nursery could be better integrated with stories about agriculture. The organisers make the point that most of the animals are farm animals, so why not invest in some really good interpretive materials to maximise visitor engagement?
Take home message - Awwwww....baby.....
Okay, so the "free-range" gobbling thing and an over enthusiastic toddler grabbing at me are making my hands shake...but again, check out the size of the crowds in the background. An opportunity lost?
Take home message - Eeek!
The other farm animal that was a hit with the crowds was Fonzy, the giant Friesian. Standing at over 6 feet tall, he was an impressive animal no matter what your age. In fact, it was mostly a teenage audience when we were there, all marvelling at "the giant cow." Not one person failed to take a photo. Freakshow or Farm Ambassador?
Fonzy, a hit with all ages.
The Australian Year of the Farmer Roadshow was at the Canberra Show. I think their display went too far the other way. Lots of interpretive panels and things to read, which I think made it unappealing to a Show audience. And the result?
A very empty Australian Year of the Farmer Marquee...
There were two people inside the marquee (one buying merchandise) and a couple of children painting cows. But I would love to see the AYOF Roadshow incorporate some aspects of the animal nursery or introduce hands-on displays and activities. I think locating the AYOF marquee next to animal nurseries would be a great way to start. Failing that, hatching chickens, the story of bread with the chance to see and touch each stage of production, a dairy cow next to an icecream stand, guess the number of rice grains in a kilo bag or a BBQ selling steak sandwiches are simple and popular ways of engaging city audiences with agriculture.
Show visitors have short attention spans so are looking for fun and unique ways to entertain and teach their kids. Reading posters and watching videos can't really compete with the other attractions available at the Show.
At the end of the day, we had a great time. The toddler saw a pig, got his face painted (tiger), had an icecream (chocolate) and got a showbag (Go Diego Go) and the husband managed to keep his sense of humour.
