Royal Easter Show Flashback: 1997 (Last Show at Moore Park) - Part I

The Royal Easter Show commences at Sydney Olympic Park on April 8, running for 12 days until April 19. 2022 is the Bicentennary of the founding of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, who oversee the Royal Easter Show.

Apart from the Bicentennary, Princess Anne will offically open the Royal Easter Show, the first time a member of the British Royal Family has opened an Easter Show since 1988. Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning British Monarch to officially open a Royal Easter Show which she did in 1970.

I usually devote the monday before the show begins to look back at the Easter Show from 25 years ago. 

This year, I have decided to split the Royal Easter Show Flashback into two parts given that the year in focus (1997) significant for two reasons:

1. The 175th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Walea
2. Last Easter Show to be held at Moore Park before relocating to Homebush in 1998.

This week, I will focus on the key facts and showbags. Next week, my focus will be on key events and feature articles.

 

Source: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. 1997. "Come and bid the old showground a fond farewell. The Sunday Telegraph, March 30: 17.

Date: March 21 to April 5, 1997

As this was the last Easter Show to be held at Moore Park, the show was extended from 12 days to 16 days to enable as many Sydneysiders as possible to attend.

Admission

Adults - $14

Concession (including Pensioners) - $10

Children - $7

Free entry for children under four years of age.

For 2022, general admission prices are as follows (including return public transport):

Aduls - $45

Concession (including Pensioners) - $35

Children - $28

Discounts apply for "early bird" tickets and other ticket options are available.

Transport

Showlink tickets to cover return rail and bus travel were available.

Rail commuters were advised to change at Central for special bus services operating to the Showgrounds. Special buses also operated from Bondi Junction, Wynyard and Circular Quay Railway Stations. 

Showgoers could also travel via normal services operating along the ANZAC Parade corridor. 

Many chose to drive and if parked in Moore Park paid $7 for the privilege. This was the final year that driving enmasse to the Easter Show would be accepted. The relocation to Sydney Olympic Park would see even greater emphasis on public transport. 

Showbags

This year Showbags range from $2 through to $35. Like today, showbags will cover all budgets so that everyone can treat themselves to what is one of the great experiences of attending the Easter Show. Personally, its cheaper to go and buy the items in the showbag at a supermarket but there is an experience in trying out what is in the bag, especially if you have not tried it before. 

Twenty Five years ago, it was the same though it may have appeared simplier to make a decision about what to choose. Some bags today have multiple versions to choose from based on what you seek e.g. There are at least two Bluey showbags to choose from. Even with bags, there are different bags for different prices e.g. Cadbury Caramell ($5) or Cadbuury Caramello Superbag ($10). It is like a value meal at McDonalds - "Do you wish to up-size?"

Below are some of the showbag advertisements for 1997 as sourced from the Royal Easter Show preview guides that were featured in The Sunday Telegraph and The Sun Herald on March 16 1997.

Bensons

Now known as showbags.com.au, their offerings tend to be a benchmark in terms of price and quality. Cadbury ($5) is a consistent bestseller. In 2022, the price is $6 but notice that the chocolates have gone from regular bars to bite size bars. The closest to a "megabag" from the Cadbury range was Crunchie at $10. 

Note some of the popular showbags from TV and Film at that time - Ren & Stimpy, Goosebumps (Their are experiencing a revival with their books) and Flipper.  

 

Gag Magic

In 1997, they offered  "Gag Magic". Price has more than doubled from $7 to $20 since.

The "Army" bag is still available but now costs $30 with a spinoff bag - "Army Action" available for the same price. 

In addition, Wild West and Dollykins are available ($30 each)

Mega Showbags

The Mega Sumo Showbag was their feature bag which sadly is no longer available. Note that they sold a "Bye Bye" bag to mark the end of the showgrounds at Moore Park. The "Mega Bags" have expanded their range since.

 

Coca Cola

At $10, this was at the upper end in terms of pricing, but is one of the most consistent in value for money. There are two bags on offer in 2022 - One for $15 and one for $25 but the emphasis has shifted from food and drink towards Coke branded merchandise itself.

Nestle

Bertie Beetle was (and still is) $2. Remember there was only one choice at that time unlike today.

 

Triple M Showbag

Like Coca Cola, Triple M at $10 also included a backpack along with Triple M merchandise, can of Coke a Cola and Bliss Bombs. Also ride vouchers were provided. Unfortuantely for Triple M fans, there is no showbag on offer this year.

 

As mentioned above, next week is a focus on feature articles about the show itself. Tune in for Part II as we relive some of the highlights.