WHEN you put on a public event you will always be keeping a close eye on the factors you have no control over.
The weather is the big player with rain storms capable of reducing a crowd by thousands, while on the flipside a stinking hot day will also keep people away.
The Ipswich Show Society’s annual Australia Day markets on Saturday copped a little of both.
Heavy summer thunderstorms in nearby suburbs a few hours before their Aussie Arvo Day’s 4pm start saw eight stall holders ring up and cancel.
In Ipswich the thermometer just kept climbing and it was still near 40 degrees when the show society opened the gates.
Despite the weather issues an enthusiastic crowd still rolled in and those that came along were treated to plenty of entertainment.
The big event of the afternoon was the Cane Toad Cup and the crowd who crowded in to watch got a little more than they bargained for.
It turned out that some of the hoppers were good at squeezing through the mesh that encompassed the racetrack.
Those who had moved in to get the classic cane toad shot on their phone were soon screaming and running for high ground as the ugly creatures hopped between their legs.
It just created more fun and the race marshals rounded up the escapees in quick fashion.
From boot scootin’, to local dance club performances, air guitar competitions, Aussie Trivia and a session by the Ipswich Big Band there was plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Next year it’s hoped the weather Gods will be a little kinder and the event will get the big crowd it deserves.
