Royal Melbourne Show
The Royal Melbourne Show is an agricultural show held at Melbourne Showgrounds every September. It is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and has been running since 1848. Each year Royal Melbourne Show attracts attendances of up to half a million people. The Victoria Police and security guards are the show patrollers. About. The traditional purpose is the display of rural industry, including livestock and produce with its associated competitions and awards however the show also features amusement rides and a sideshow alley, as well as the awesome Australian tradition of 'Showbags', carry bags containing  samples of goodies produced by various commercial enterprises. A prominent feature during showtime are the many rides including a permanent wooden Mad Mouse roller coaster which resided at the grounds until 2001, owned by Wittingslow Amusements. A permanent chairlift also resided onsite until 2005. The site has its own railway station, used during special events located on the Flemington Racecourse line. The Thursday of the show was once observed as the Show Day public holiday in Melbourne; this holiday was abandoned in 1994. While the Royal Show is the main show in Victoria, many cities and towns in regional Victoria  host smaller shows, such as the Royal Geelong Show, Bendigo Show, Ballarat Show, Warragul Show, Whittlesea Show and the Shepparton Show. History. The show was founded in 1848. There was no show in 1915 to 1918 and 1940 to 1945 when the showgrounds were requisitioned for military use during WWI and WWII. In 2020 and 2021 the show was cancelled due to social distancing measures and mass gathering restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Displays. Competitions. The major rural competitions of the show include Alpaca competitions, Beef Cattle Competitions, Beef Carcase Competitions, Dairy cattle Competition, Dog Competitions, Horse Competitions, Poultry Competition , Sheep Competition, Domestic Animal Competitions, Fleece Competitions and Woodchop Competitions. The major equestrienne competition of Australia is the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout which is held here. This is a memorial trophy to Mrs Violet Murrell's bravery in attempting to save her horse, Garryowen from a fire. The competition is judged on mount, costume, saddlery, riding ability and general appearances of horsewomen. There are also Art, Craft and Cookery Competitions. Pavilions. Located all around the show grounds are a total of sixteen pavilions and arenas. These include:- The Farmhouse is an interactive animal space including shearing and milking demonstrations and activities  including pat-a-chook, pat-a-pig, grinding grains and digging for veggies. Entertainment. Entertainment consists of multiple live performances, activities and displays. Entertainers have included Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Peppa Pig, Dorothy the Dinosaur from the children's group The Wiggles, Play School and Hi-5 concert, Sampson the Monster truck, clowns, caricature artists and many more. In addition to 774 ABC Melbourne radio outside broadcast. There is a nightly fireworks display and live performances. Lights, colours and sound provide a unique atmosphere in the Carnival precinct at night. Rides. The children's rides include: