Burning Whip Of Fire

I can't just have one Brookfield Show shot, it's not a one shot type of event. I was determined to get a piglet racing shot but managed to get to the enclosure too late (again). The prize chickens on display were an impressive sight but the lighting was pretty low and I didn't want to startle the poor things with my flash. I think their nerves may have been a bit frazzled already as their barn was right next to all the big fairground rides with loud music blaring out and teenagers screaming. One thing I did catch was this man who was very adept at cracking a whip while it was on fire. I'm not sure when that might come in handy but I guess in rural Queensland you never know.

Duck Herding at the Brookfield Show

If you've ever seen trained sheepdogs working as a team it's amazing. There were four dogs (one out of shot) and they managed to herd these ducks around this assault course and into a box. All the ducks were kept in a perfect bunch and all the while each dog was listening for it's owners individual instruction... pretty impressive if you ask me.

Make Your Own Fun (Brookfield Show 5)

It's like babies with christmas presents. You spend time and money on the gift but all the kid wants to play with is the box. Despite the wild rides, junk food, stunt racing and all the rest of it, this hill was where all the fun was to be had. Sliding down the hill on bits of cardboard. Excellent!

Stunt Riders! (Brookfield Show 4)

Everyone went bananas. It was an absolute show stopper. Did I get a clear shot of either of the motor cross riders? No way!

Down Time (Brookfield Show 3)

Chilling out, piglet style, between races.

Beaut Fruit (Brookfield Show 2)

Here we are at the Brookfield Show again.
Take a look at these beauties. I fancied the custard apples (front) but the sizey avocadoes (2nd from front) clinched it in a nail-biter.

The Brookfield Show

I wasn't aware of the cultural significance of the Dagwood Dog until Saturday. This interesting/bizarre snack food is seemingly only eaten on Show days and is regarded with affection and a tinge of nostalgia by many Australians. By "Show", in Brookfield's case, I am talking about funfair rides, camel rides, pig racing, horse jumping, whip fighting, dogs rounding up ducks, live snake feeding, monster trucks, sheep shearing, motorbike stunt jumping, competitions for best looking chickens, flowers, fruit and vegetables, all sorts of cakes, jams, pickles, photography, art.... and to keep all those animals nice and perky, lots of fireworks.

But back to the Dog. What is it? Well, I must admit I wasn't game enough to give one a try but it's a saveloy, battered, deep fried and dipped in tomato sauce (ketchup).

Get it inta ya!

Brookfield Hairdressers

It's about 10kms from the centre of Brisbane but you feel like you're out in the middle of the country. Welcome to Brookfield! There's a wooden general store and a wooden church hall dating back to 1891 when this would have been a village that had nothing to do with Brisbane - now you can get a bus straight from the CBD. There are plenty of horses and riders around the place with a prominent pony club and showground. This funny little buiding is the hairdresser's.