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2009 Sydney Royal Easter Show-down
Hundreds of thousands of Australians came to the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year for the ultimate 'staycation'.
As the Southern Hemisphere's largest annual celebration wraps up for another year, it is clear city dwellers used the opportunity to experience a taste of country Australia.
With an expected total of just under 900,000 people through the gates, almost 100,000 more than in 2008, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Chief Executive Peter King congratulated the people of NSW and Sydney for ignoring the economic doom and gloom and coming to the Show in such large numbers.
"This year's attendance figures prove that Show traditions are still relevant to Australians. Clearly all Showgoers were looking for great family entertainment which meant the Show this year has had a real 'feel good' factor."
"Through the 2009 Show over 500,000 people visited the Dairy Farmers Farmyard Animal Nursery, 231,000 watched 'The Story of True Blue' in the NAB Arena, and 35,000 ate fresh scones baked by the Country Women's Association," Mr King said.
In 2009, just under 100,000 Showgoers used the brand new 'print-at-home' ticket option, getting into the action faster by saving time at the gate.
"This year we've seen Sydneysiders and their country cousins take the opportunity to really engage with Show traditions, educate their families and enjoy top-quality entertainment.
"There is a vibrant world beyond suburban Sydney and for two weeks we've provided families the opportunity to engage with 14,000 animals and 5,000 art exhibits, and awarded over 15,000 trophies, certificates and medals in the Sydney Royal competitions."
Showgoers enjoyed over 260 hours of free entertainment on The Graze Stage and the Big Top Amphitheatre, and watched Australia's only diving pig Smokey launch himself into a pool 140 times.
The ever-popular Show treats were once again a hit, with Showgoers consuming 109,000 dagwood dogs, 34,950 corn cobs, 32,000 cheese on stick, 58,000 meat pies and 34,500 Country Women's Association scones.
Over 1.65 million show bags were sold this year. The Coca-Cola showbag out-sold all others topping 20,200, followed by the High School Musical 3 bag selling 18,000, the Dairy Farmers bag with 10,000 sold and the Hannah Montana bag, which went home with 9,000 Showgoers.
The 2009 Show was run by the hard work of 3000 workers and 400 volunteers.
"On behalf of all the Showgoers, exhibitors and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, I'd like to send a big 'thank you' to everyone that gave their time to make the 2009 Sydney Royal Easter Show such a resounding success," Mr King added.