The Royal Adelaide Show: Day and night

Posted 14 August, 2019 Jeremy Rochow. Illustrations: Pip Kruger

The sweet smell of fairy floss wafting through the air, the sound of children’s laughter and the RAA Fireworks ending every day with a bang. It can only mean one thing – show time!   Each year thousands of South Australians flock to the Royal Adelaide Show, whether it’s to buy up big at the showbag pavilion, go for a spin on the Skymaster wheel, eat some delicious doughnuts or check out the agriculture exhibitions. This year’s show will be held from 30 August to 8 September. If you’re planning a day at the Royal Show, we’ve got you covered with highlights for both day and night.  

DAY

There’s so much to do while the sun’s up that it’s hard to get to everything, so we’ve picked a few special events to keep the whole family entertained this year.  

Grab a scone to celebrate 90 years of the CWA

While the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is well-known for its baking competitions at the Royal Adelaide Show, it also plays a part in feeding the thousands of show-goers who enter the gates each day.   Over the course of the show, the CWA sells more than 12,000 scones slathered in jam and cream at its SACWA Country Café, raising more than $40,000 for various charities. Not only will you be supporting a good cause, you’ll also be eating some of the best treats you’ll ever taste. To celebrate CWA’s 90th birthday, the organisation will hold a special tea cosy competition. The tea cosies will be on display for the public to see at the pop-up market near the Country Café.  

Ride the Skymaster Ferris wheel

The Skymaster Ferris wheel is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, making 2019 the perfect time to go for a spin on the Royal Adelaide Show stalwart.

From the top of the big wheel you’ll get a picture-perfect view of the Adelaide Showground and beyond.

  To celebrate 50 years of the Skymaster wheel, the ride will take on a different look, with LED lights and images of show-goers flashing across a big screen.  

Check out the woodchoppers

The woodchopping competition is a fan-favourite at the Royal Adelaide Show. Crowds gather daily at the woodchopping arena to watch axemen saw, chop and climb trees in their bid to be the best. After the show, the used wood is donated to Rotary Club of Adelaide, with the funds donated to various community groups and charities.