By James Gratton
Published: Monday, September 7, 2020
For only the 5th time in its 181-year history, the Royal Adelaide Show has been cancelled.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the thrills and spills of the biggest show in town.
From digging into a Bertie Beetle showbag to watching the fireworks light up the night sky, you can still enjoy one of SA’s largest events thanks to The Show at Home.
The online experience allows revellers of all ages to get a taste of the show within the comfort of their homes.
Here’s what you can expect.
Virtual rides
Thrill-seekers can still get their hearts racing by virtually jumping on board their favourite show rides, whether it’s the Ali Baba, Big Dipper or Kamikaze.
The point-of-view videos are as close you’ll come to the real deal while keeping 2 feet firmly on the ground.
Or if you’d prefer to soak up the sights, jump onboard the iconic Ferris Wheel to get a virtual bird’s eye-view of the Adelaide Showgrounds.
Online amusements
You’ll also get the chance to find out what goes into judging the iconic farming and agricultural competitions through online masterclasses, whether it be dog grooming or wood chopping.
Bakers from across the state can again battle it out in the Mighty South Aussie Cake Off by simply uploading a photo of their mouth-watering creations to The Show at Home.
You can even take a trip down memory lane by taking a virtual walk in the online museum.
Showbags to your door
Hunting for the latest showbags is a memory most South Aussies cherish.
But it can be quite stressful, especially for parents juggling a gaggle of kids.
So, to ensure you don’t miss out on your favourite showbags this year, you can now scroll through online stalls and have them delivered to your door.
Scavenger hunt across SA
Another long-time show tradition, The Yellow Brick Road, has been reimagined due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Rather than visiting stalls at the Adelaide Showgrounds, participants are now encouraged to stop in at businesses across the state to support them in these unprecedented times.
Don’t forget to download the Yellow Brick Road Trip map so you can make the most of the special offers and discounts offered by local traders, such as FruChocs, Melbas and Golden North.
Fireworks
Despite COVID-19 confining your Royal Adelaide Show experience to your lounge room, you can still experience the magic of the fireworks during a live-streamed broadcast by The Show at Home.
All you need to do is go online and sit back while the (virtual) fireworks light you up your screen.
Win an RAA Golden Ticket
While we’re taking a break from the festivities, it doesn’t mean we can’t still have some fun.
Our RAA Golden Ticket is back, albeit a bit different this year.
Purchase a Menz Mega Showbag and you might find a ticket inside, with special vouchers from our More for Members’ partners including Bounce, TreeClimb and The Beachouse.
There are 200 tickets to be found (meaning 200 lucky ducks to be spoilt for choice) selling at The FruChocs Shops Glynde, Hahndorf and McLaren Vale as well as pop-up shows at Westfield Marion and Tea Tree Plaza until 12 September.
The Royal Show has only been cancelled 4 other times: the 2 world wars, the Spanish flu pandemic and the Victorian gold rush.