THE Royal Queensland Show agricultural pavilion was awash with colour this week as district societies and schools competed for the glory of champion exhibit.
Dark horse youth exhibitors Woodenbong Central School trumped Queensland's own Caboolture State High School after being award champion Youth District Exhibit on August 7.
Just south of the border, the Woodenbong show team had previously picked up second place with their Australia-themed exhibit at the Sydney Royal.
Students from the school had been working hard since arriving on August 2 and said they were extremely excited to attend the Ekka.
"It's great to come here and compete against other youth groups and make some new friends," Penny Lee said.
Rockhampton State School also picked up first place in both the Graham Rayner Memorial award and best visual display of grain award.
Youth fruit and vegetable exhibit first place was awarded to Girls Brigade Queensland who also placed first in the most effective arrangement, best visual display and best overall presentation.
RNA committee junior vice president Angus Adnam congratulated the participants on their effort and thanked the administrators and stewards for their continued support.
"It's wonderful to see so many young people involved in the competition this year alongside return exhibitors," Mr Adnam said.
"The students, teachers and designers have all done a splendid job and it's better than it's ever looked."
Moreton was a standout in the district exhibits, taking home the much coveted best collection of exhibits from the districts banner along with most effective arrangement and best backdrop.
Representative from the Moreton team Syd Haag has been involved with the district exhibits since the tender age of 16 and was pleased as punch with the triple-win.
"It definitely keeps me busy - I grow more than 40 varieties of pumpkin and squash on the Kalbar property along with other fruit and vege, it's a great interest to have and I couldn't think of doing anything else," Mr Haag said.
"I'm most proud of the quality of the produce in the exhibit - we've struggled through terrible drought but it's turned out alright."
More than ten years since gaining a clean sweep in the district exhibits, the 80-year-old said he was looking forward to a kip after adding the final touches to the exhibit at 3am that morning.
Don't forget to pick up a copy of Queensland Country Life this Thursday for the full Ekka report
Kate Stark
Queensland Country Life's markets editor.
Queensland Country Life's markets editor.
