Damp start for Royal Show
WA's beloved Royal Show kicks off today with hundreds of thousands of people expected to head to Claremont Showground this week - despite the rotten weather.
A severe weather warning with damaging winds was cancelled this morning, ahead of gates opening at 9am, but the passage of a cold front during the morning would continue to produce fresh to strong winds and rain, the Weather Bureau said.
Royal Agricultural Society of WA chief executive Peter Cooper said show organisers were hoping to beat last year's total of 450,000 visitors.
"It comes down to West Australians supporting the largest community event in the State," Mr Cooper said.
With the divide between city and country growing, the Royal Show played an important part in helping people understand the importance of agriculture in WA, he said.
Aside from the farm animals, show bags will be among the most popular attractions for kids, with more than 300 to choose from.
This year's most-expensive bag is once again from bakery Jean Pierre Sancho. For $280, fans of the popular bakery's treats can enjoy 24 truffle macarons and two $50 vouchers.
But by far the cheapest of the 310 bags is the $1 Blinky Bill bag, which is filled with chocolates.
Balloon twisters Ray Huang, left and Ren Liu of Min's Cartoon Caricatures, enjoy their first show. Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian.
New themed bags this year are Frozen, How to Train Your Dragon, Furby, Play Doh and Loomz.
Adult tickets cost $28 at the gate (or $24 online), while children aged under 12 years are able to see the show for free when accompanied by an adult.
The show ends October 4.
Members of an Indian dance group from The Temple of Fine Arts, cover up as they walk to perform on the Cultivate Stage. Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian.
