Ekka #1: Family

When I tried to search for the word "Family" in the index of Showtime: a history of the Brisbane Exhibition (2008) by J. Scott and R. Laurie, I couldn't. Neither is there a dedicated chapter about family business at the Ekka, an annual agricultural show of Queensland, Australia. And because I'm lazy to read through all 277 pages of the book, I decided to add a humble chapter of mine to the festival. A chapter about family.

Family #1, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012. Samsung NX5.

As a foreign student in the land of Oz, I have the opportunity to study the different views about festival between countries. Sadly, traditional festivals are quickly forgotten as children in Malaysia grow up. iPhones, shopping malls, and night clubs soon became the way Malaysian teenagers celebrate their youth. In contrast, kids over here, mostly without their parents around, lingered around the Ekka as elders made their annual visit. How I miss the funfair at Malaysia back in the 90s.

Family #2, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012.

Don't forget to mention tourists who joined the crowd, and I was one of them who paid the same $20 entry fee. But I was here not to eat or ride a merry-go-around, but to document the faces of Brisbane.

Family #3, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012.

Sunny day as it is usual, the iconic weather of Queensland. That might explain why people here don't wear heavy makeup, because the sun provides eye shadow for free.

Family #4, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012.

I believe a family's bond can be strengthened simply by hanging out with each other more often, especially in the present day where parents could easily overwork and forget to read their children to sleep.

Family #5, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012.

We are increasingly relying on school teachers to educate our children, while parenting, another important form of education, is being ignored despite its powerful one-on-one impact. The Ekka showgrounds provide a good opportunity for parents to guide their children around animals, to teach them about the mutualistic relationship between farm animals and humans, and to make them understand one of the drivers of economy, agriculture. We take materials for granted nowadays, children need to understand how fragile the production line could be and start appreciating it.

Family #6, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012.

Parents are always the guidance, they lead the way.

Family #7, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012.

And they comfort.

Family #8, EKKA Showgrounds. 2012.

Special thanks to camera owner Jeremy.