Show Back 2 the Future

Previously I suggested a Showcase CQ exhibition be held the weekend before Beef Week commences. A showcase highlighting the innovative practices and entrepreneurial talent of CQ (outside the Beef Industry); reinforcing and reminding us what a dynamic, diversified region we live in. Unfortunately this opportunity looks like going through to the keeper. (We keep the ‘keeper’ busy in CQ). The new Rockhampton Agricultural and Citizen’s Show Society (RACSS) plans for this year’s Show however could achieve this goal. Back to the future is arguably apt way to describe their plans. A return to Thursday public holiday, Friday night speedway, stronger focus on the agricultural industry and displays of CQ based businesses. The Dagwood dogs, waffles and sideshow alley prominent in past years advertising to take a back seat in returning to its roots. To successfully do this the new volunteer committee needs CQ business support. Not just a token sponsorship, but by putting CQ commerce on show. Machinery alley use to feature most car yards, farm machinery, motorbikes, ATV, caravan dealers, etc. Show patrons could spend several hours inspecting the machinery, talk business and better informed make buying decisions. The Show was a major stimulus to economic activity within CQ. Of course now you can do this on the internet; more the reason local business needs to meet its potential customers, not sit back waiting for them to come to their store, which they may now never do. Customers want to engage with business, be informed of new innovations even entertained; it’s easier to do this face to face then over the net. About 23000 people attended last year’s show on the lure of junk food and wild rides. If RACSS are successful in gaining and promoting more CQ businesses to exhibit, it will give more reason for people to attend. Those who may not find the sights, smells and sounds of sideshow alley as exciting, but are looking at ways of spending their kids inheritance. One’s who may just need reminding of what they can get locally. This year’s Rocky Show is an opportunity to Showcase what CQ has and CAN DO, hopefully the new committee gets the support from the CQ business community to successfully do this.