Sydney Royal Easter Show, April 10, 2004

I've been to a number of county fairs in the U.S. but nothing prepared me for the Sydney Royal Easter Show. First off, it seems like a weird time to have a fair until you remember that in the southern hemisphere Easter falls at the beginning of Autumn. Second, it's not held in a muddy paddock or a town courthouse square, but rather out at Homebush on the Sydney Olympic Grounds. Third, you've got to pay $25 just to get in! Some things never change though: there were scary carnival rides, overpriced food served on sticks, and lots of big smelly animals. The Snook and I were joined by fellow American expat (and Easter Show expert) Amy for a day of good old-fashioned family fun.

We started out in the big Food Hall. This is where all the country folks send their produce to be judged. Mmm, prize-winning sides of beef...

Did you know that "apiarists" are beekeepers? I didn't. This futuristic beekeeper stood above exhibits of prize-winning honey and beeswax candles.

This competition involved different areas of the state putting together big scenic displays made entirely of farm products. I can't imagine the mindset it takes to design something like this.

The man's face was made entirely out of grain (with some wool for the 'tache).

This monster pumpkin weighed in at 247.5 kg, which equals 545 US pounds! I asked one of the competitors how come we didn't get the orange pumpkins in Sydney. He said that here they're just considered cattle feed and nobody actually eats them. I obviously need to get the "jack-o-lantern movement" started.

I didn't even know you could pickle a lobster!

On to the craft section... This was the third-prize winner from the "egg decorating" contest. Yes, that helmet is a real egg. I'm guessing from an ostrich.

Normally I think ceramic dolls are boring, but this Queen Amidala ROCKED!

Pornographic carpentry! This dartboard case won first prize in the "inlaid wood" category.