It's Time to Flock to MelbourneSeptember 26, 2014

One upon a time, the Royal Melbourne Show was the place to show off your livestock. It was all there was to it, but this was what this event was all about. Not to showcase Australia's agricultural side, one of the reasons why the economy is up, but the hard work - and care - for these animals.

Dick King-Smith's "The Sheep-Pig" (1983) would come to mind, about a lone pig in a sheep farm who find a way to avoid being the "little porker" for Christmas dinner. He learned that the sheep weren't stupid as they seemed to be, if one would be polite. So the pig taught them commands, to the astonishment of Farmer Hogget, who won the hog at a fair. It was a win-win situation for everyone.

Visitors won't see this kind of pig, but the interbreed competition turned into a fairy-tale ending for Ian Baker. After twenty years of showing, his Border Leicester ram bested fifteen breeds for the overall ram title. The 14-month-old sheep weighed 122.5kg, had 16mm of fat depth, 105mm of muscle width, 48mm of muscle depth, and an eye muscle depth of 39sq cm.

Judge Wilson Beer, from Echuca, said the ram “had great bone and enormous-figures”.

It's Show Time!

Cows, dogs, goats, horses, and sheep compete for the blue ribbon award, but attendees can look forward to other shows. Contestants from "Australia's Got Talent" performed at the Commonwealth Bank Entertainment Dome on Wednesday, September 23. Audience have the chance of having a photo opportunity with them afterward.

"MasterChef Australia", a Logie Award-winning Australian competitive cooking game show based on the original “MasterChef”, also opened its doors to the public. Alice Zaslavsky from Season 4 and Emma Dean from Season 5 will be welcoming guests on September 27.

The cast of "Yo Gabba-Gabba!" will have an exclusive stage show daily at the Commonwealth Bank Entertainment Dome. Children will have a blast, as they can have their photos with their favourite cartoon characters. Likewise, the Looney Tunes Classroom Capers will have a meet-and-greet session. If you're a fan of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, and Sylvester, then don't miss it.

Why are you there in the first place

If you haven't been to the southern parts, then the show is the place to start your exposure. You can also go on a side trip. (The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is a must see.) If you're on a school holiday, then there's no other location to go. If you love meeting people, then you won't have a dull moment with exhibitors. There's something for everyone. (Haven't you heard of the art, craft, and cookery competition? You can start here.) But if you know someone who is participating in the events, then better show your support. Who knows, you might be inspired to join next year's show.

The Royal Melbourne Show runs from September 20 to October 1.

Read all articles→