Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
Without doubt the biggest attraction (yep, even bigger than the livestock, and we're really talking BIG) of the annual Melbourne Show is, of course, the myriad showbags catering to all ages and interests.
There are Dora the Explorer showbags and Cars showbags and Wiggles showbags for the youngest fans, cooler merchandise for the teenagers and even stuff for parents.
Because there is such a bewildering selection, newspapers actually publish ``showbag guides'' which families set aside so they can pore over them for hours, to try and assist the decision-making process.
Interestingly enough, the showbag concept started long before the marketing experts realised it was a bonanza. Manufacturers used to give bags of goodies away - free - at the Show, to entice visitors to buy their products. For decades, showbags have been the ultimate status symbol during the Show - and of course they are no longer free!
I've included the second picture merely for novelty value, because it was taken with my camera held high above my head. It just shows you how crowded - but orderly - the showbag hall can get, even on a day when the weather isn't too flash.
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