Sundaes and sunshine at Brisbane's Ekka
They say every dog has its day.
For those of both the dagwood and greyhound variety, that was the opening day of Brisbane's iconic RNA Show, the Ekka.
The 138th RNA Show kicked off on Friday morning under bright skies at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
Organisers are hoping some 400,000 visitors flow through over the next 10 days to enjoy the food, rides, animals and showbags on offer.
The takeaway stalls are well-stocked with all the show's most beloved treats, including the battered dagwood dogs and strawberry sundaes.
In the main dogs hall, long-legged greyhound duo Julia and Lucy lapped up a steady supply of pats and attention on day one.
Greyhound Adoption Program Queensland's Bronwen Gallagher said the event was good opportunity to show off the breed's docile persona after the damaging live-baiting scandal.
The body takes in greyhounds that have finished their careers or proven unsuitable to competitive racing and can re-home up to 150 a year.
"They really are very gentle dogs," she says.
And they're just a handful of the 10,000-odd animals visitors will be able to enjoy, spokeswoman Veronica Carew said on the show's sunny opening.
"It's perfect Ekka weather, so we're thrilled to bits," she said of the 21-degree day.
While the Minion-themed games tempt the kids, she said the show's more traditional competitions would likely be the biggest drawcard of the event.
"The real heart and soul of the show is our competitions - from stud beef to fruit cakes," she said.
But to cap it all off, there's a dash of high-tech pyrotechnic wizardry.
For the first time, the program-closing display will include fireworks that shoot sideways and inwards, not just upright, allowing for a 360-degree experience.
"It's spectacular," Ms Carew said.
