User:GCShowSociety

Records indicate that the first Show was held at Recreation Reserve. The Reserve was located at what we now know as Woodroffe Park directly behind the Southport RSL in Lawson Street.

From research undertaken, it is apparent that the Show then moved to farmland donated by the Owen family in Queens Street Southport. The Show operated on these grounds until 1988 when it moved to it’s present location at Parklands in 1989. This complex comprises 47 hectares in area and was purpose built for the Show Society along with Harness and Greyhound racing facilities.

The reason for relocating from Owen Park was purely because the Show had outgrown the venue and needed to have larger grounds to cater for the growing numbers attending the Show each year.

Originally the Show was called ‘The Southport Show’ until 1952 when it became the ‘South Coast Show’. It changed its name to the ‘The Gold Coast Show Society in about 1959.

The first real event took place at Parklands in 1989. In fact the grounds were so new that the Show, which has traditionally been held in late August, had to be postponed until late October. The finishing touches to the grounds were still being completed up to the day before the Show opening. There was little grass or ground cover which made it difficult for both the Society and Patrons, at that time. It is significant to remember that the crowds attending the Show have increased almost every year since moving to Parklands. Since 1996 the crowds have increased from 48,000 to 64,000. Every year the Gold Coast Show host the popular and traditional Show events featuring fireworks displays, ring events, Australiana displays, show bags, wood chops, side show alley, visual arts and home crafts displays, stage shows, roving entertainment and of course the FREE family circus. Added to this is an an entertainment package changing each year

In 2006, the Show Society celebrated the Centenary of Shows and are not aware of any other community event within the region that has continued to function successfully for such a long period.