Backbencher

Our final lecture was titled "Charms, Splendors, and Wonders." It was given to us from the University of the Sunshine Coast by Dr. J. Scott. Her topic was the history of the Brisbane Exhibition and how it has changed Queensland. When the exhibit first opened in 1876, Dr. Scott revealed that it was miles out of town and that today it is right in the middle of town. There are many arguments over the land by land developers who claim that the land is too profitable to be used only once a year, but many have come together to help save the land and tradition.
Dr. Scott mentioned many of the competitions that took place at the Exhibition, including my favorite, the manure competition, which would yield a first prize of 25 pounds. She also expressed the evolution of the sideshows from the first merry-go-round, to the Aboriginal Courts, to today’s chaotic rides, and nasty eats! Dr. Scott also mentioned the resurrection of some of the lost competitions that are now coming back, like the "Quilts across Queensland Competition", in addition to those that have remained since the beginning, as with the sheep dog trials, etc. Too bad the manure competition isn't back yet! The photos of the first Exhibition were pretty amazing. I can see how someone could get so involved in such a project. I am fascinated with the World’s Fair of 1893.
Overall, the lecture was great, aside from some of the hook-up problems. It seemed as though right when Dr. Scott was going to explain something interesting it would cut out and I would be left with half of a sentence in my notes! Otherwise, outstanding and very informative.