The Cairns Show is an annual, regional show featuring food, rides, show bags, animals, plants, art and craft exhibits, baking and various community stalls. The show first began in 1891, when it was presented by the Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association. Since then it has undergone many iterations, but it is now managed by a voluntary committee who uses the annual profits to develop and maintain the showgrounds. While the feel of the show may be very different today, some of the history remains in the horse events, judging of baked goods, vegetables, fruits and livestock like cattle and pigs.
For me, the food is one of the most unique parts of the show. There are food vans scattered all over the showgrounds, offering a range of portable savoury and sweet treats, from corn on the cob to toffee covered apples. But, just like the horse events and judging of livestock, the old fashioned favourites are the ones I always seem to gravitate towards. So, here are my top three show foods.
Local produce always features heavily in regional shows, and Cairns is no exception. I can never go past the fresh local strawberries, chopped and served in a cup with thick cream and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. If that isn’t bliss, then I don’t know what it is. I love this combination because the strawberries are sweet, but have the slightest hint of tartness which cuts through the velvety cream (I prefer mine without the powdered sugar!)
Next, scalloped potatoes on a stick. Deep fried and dusted with your choice of parmesan cheese, chicken salt or salt and vinegar. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, served on a stick so you can walk around, enjoying the show, while eating at the same time.
Last, but not least, my number 1 show favourite – the Dagwood dog. Also known in some states of Australia as a Pluto pup, and, in America, as a Corn Dog. If you’ve never eaten one before, it’s probably best not to know what’s in it. However, for Connect purposes, I will elaborate. A Dagwood dog at the Cairns Show is a frankfurter sausage, on a stick, which has been dipped in batter and deep-fried until it is crispy and golden. It is then dunked into a container of tomato sauce (ketchup). The result is a perfect, deep-fried carbo/protein hit.
It’s probably a good thing for my hips that the show only comes once a year. I’d love to know about your favourite carnival, festival or show food. Perhaps it was from when you were a child? Feel free to share in the comments below.