Stick to the classics… and the Royal Show’s alright

The crowds seemed a lot more sensible at this year’s Perth Royal Show; far more sensible than in years past. Heck, once I found my footing after a bit of a ramble at the entry gate, I found this year to be the easiest show I’ve navigated – and that includes all those chaotic shows I went to as a kid. Since we’d just gotten back from a week in Bali, the crowds at this year’s show seemed quite tame.

People were not only sensible in watching where they were going this year, they also appeared to be spending sensibly.

Showbag stands were half as crowded as last year, queues weren’t as long at the food trucks and bars, and I didn’t see many of the ‘big brand’ bags marked SOLD OUT. If they were sold out, it’s because even the suppliers were more cautious with this year’s budgeting and stocking.

Speaking of which, some suppliers will never learn that greed is not good when it comes to catering to the people. Some stalls looked sadly deserted and the stallholders looking decidedly glum – their signs of $80 and $159 more obvious with the crowds at bay. Who wants to pay $80 for a few strings of Biltong when the whole family needs to be fed this week? Other suppliers were clever in their packaging and merchandising, especially the classic likes of Bertie Beetle and several music licensers (more about them at the end).

We spent more time this year on the free activities, like visiting the Animal Nursery. For some reason, I bonded more keenly with the lambs, the geese, the goats and the piglets. There was just such cuteness in the air (okay, along with the whiff of dung) at this year’s nursery. As usual, we checked out the Scarecrow Exhibition and, I tell you, those kids in primary school who create these amazing scarecrows know a thing or two about irony.

The show rides area was absolute chaos as usual. I tend to stick to the simpler rides like the bumper cars and ghost train – if only to get into the shorter queues. But we did double up on the food. Yes, two big Dagwood Dogs are more expensive than a pack of six mini ones from the shops, but, seriously, a visit to the show is just not complete unless you’ve gotten your hands on these puppies (a snip at twelve dollars a piece; and remember it’s the Big Dagwood we’re talking).

As for the showbags, for my money, the classics are always the best things to turn to – but then I am of the Gen X demographic. This year’s lot of bags were less trove and more treasure: a Bertie Beetles Classic Bag with a beautiful cookie bin (or popcorn bin, or, heck, bin to hold the 20 Bertie Beetles that came in the bag, and then some); a second Bertie Beetles bag, this one with a collectible pair of BB egg cups; and a Beatles novelty bag complete with towel, sleek canvas tote, keyring and more.

Throw in two practical but cool gifts for our pet Chihuahua-Terrier, Ringo: a white bull plush toy, and a red bandanna connected to a matching red pleather dog collar.

Going classic pays.

Antonino Tati

THE POP SHOP