It's showtime at the Ekka - Brisbane Tourism News

WHILE many visit the Ekka for the showbags and the rides, there are those who take home some medals.

This year, a swag of Redlanders took home the big prizes in a variety of Ekka competitions.

Murray Thompson, of Dish and Spoon Fine Foods at Cleveland, entered his outback tomato relish for the first time, bringing home a first prize in the Class 105 cookery.

"It's great. It was a first time for us. We thought we'd give it a try," Murray said.

Murray said the Dish and Spoon products are sold at farmer's markets at Cleveland and Manly.

Wellington Point sculptor Peter Steller took out the champion sculpture prize for the second time in his two years of competition, beating 47 entries to do so. His entry was turned on a lathe and "sculpted from there" in Australian red cedar sourced at Kenilworth.

Peter's work will be exhibited from September 30 to October 26 as the October feature artist for the Old School House Gallery, Cleveland.

Cake maker Kay Smith, of Ormiston, regained her position as prize fruit cake maker with the Florence Morgan memorial prize, won for the fifth time.

Kay entered the competition in 2004, achieving a third place. She won first place from 2005 to 2008, with a second place in 2009.

"This year, I added extra spice and I have got it (the prize) back," she said.

Cleveland cake maker Patricia Morrison also took out several firsts for the themed cake (trinket box) and Christmas cake and three second places for open modern contemporary wedding cake, miniature decorated cake (special occasion) and contemporary wedding cake.

Roslyn Nankervis, of Alexandra Hills, also gained a first for modern contemporary cake in intermediate class, raising her winning profile as a novice last year.

"It was a bit of a shock to me, to be truthful. But I wanted to give it a go," Roslyn said.

Shirley Kemp, of Cleveland, gained a first place for her miniature patchwork quilt, second for some knitted booties and a highly commended for a knitted bonnet.

One of her quilts achieved a third place and remains on display for the duration of the Ekka at the Quilts Across Australia exhibition, above the Dairy pavilion.

And on the catwalk, Redland models Lauren Philips and Nicole Weston feel like winners in this year's Cotton and Wool parades.

Book Accommodation with Ekka Citing at Metro Hotel Tower Mill