Sydneysiders spend up big at the Easter Show thanks to stimulus
April 14, 2009 , The Daily Telegraph
TENS of thousands of families have been spending up big at this year's Royal Easter Show and one person is picking up the tab - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
An average of 80,000 people have attended the show each day for the past five days, with families admitting yesterday they were spending their stimulus package cash.
"The Easter Show is a great family tradition in Sydney and we're all for people having a bit of fun and supporting the Australian economy and local jobs at the same time," Treasurer Wayne Swan said.
Special section: Royal Easter Show
Families approached by The Daily Telegraph at the show yesterday said they had spent an average $500 each on entry fees, rides, showbags and food. Couples averaged about $200.
"We can spend the money because Kevin Rudd gave us the money," one delighted family yelled from a ride yesterday.
The Picknell family from Caringbah - dad Adam, mum Tina and their children Ryan, 12, Kirra, 10, and Jake, 6 - go to the show every couple of years.
They said by the end of the day they would have spent about $400.
"It's money well spent, the kids get really excited and it's a chance to escape the doom and gloom," Mrs Picknell said.
Mr Picknell said it was vital for city kids such as his own to go to the show.
"It's important they see things that are rural because this is the only place they will get to see it," he said.
Nikki Organ from the Gold Coast spent her stimulus package on the plane tickets toget the show as well as $200 spending money for the day.
"It's well worth it because it's the first time I've been to the show," she said.
Ms Organ said she had no fixed plans on what she would spend her $900 on but said she did not hesitate to use it to travel to Sydney to be with family.
FJF Amusements operator Jamie Pickets, who runs the Roller Ghoster, Crazy Coaster and games, said he was having a gangbuster year with ride sales up about 20 per cent.
"Rudd's package is playing a big part in it," Mr Pickets said.
"The show is certainly bucking against the trend in the economy because people are getting comfortable to support local events."
Showbag seller Marcus Ackinson said he expected the next four days of the school holidays to be bumper sale days.
He said the average family was buying six to eight showbags that ranged in value from $2 to $25 each.
Of the 60 variety showbags he sells, so far the big hits have been Dora the Explorer, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street and Family Guy.
Depending on the popularity of the showbag, he stocked between 1000 and 30,000 of each.
"We haven't had any sell out so far, but it's only early," he said.
article: Sydneysiders spend up big at the Easter Show
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Re: article: Sydneysiders spend up big at the Easter Show
Wow.. Thats like $25,000,000 over the time the shows open just for entry. Thats crazy!
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Re: article: Sydneysiders spend up big at the Easter Show
It is great people are supporting the show and still getting out and spending in these tough times.
Re: article: Sydneysiders spend up big at the Easter Show
As I have mentioned before, in the past this has been the case in a recession, people like to forget their troubles for a little while, I also think Kev's little package has helped, (not me)