Royal Adelaide Show: At Wayville Showgrounds in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

The first Friday in September means one thing - show time! Over the following nine days about 600-thousand people will flood into the showgrounds to experience when the country comes to the city.

A lot of show-goers will enter the showgrounds through the Ridley Memorial Gates on Goodwood Road. But who was Ridley and why did the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society name the gates after him?

John Ridley was a giant in agriculture in South Australia because he invented the reaping machine. It meant farmers no longer had to harvest their cereal crops by hand - instead the Ridley stripper could strip the grain from the stalks, reap and separate it. His invention revolutionised the farming scene.

He manufactured his machines in his Hindmarsh workshop and in 1843 was a feature exhibit at the Adelaide Show where he was awarded first prize for his invention. John Ridley chose not to patent his machine - preferring to make it his 'gift' to agriculture. The Society later named the Ridley Gates in his honour so when you walk through the gates to this year's show - spare a thought for the man who's name appears over you head!

There's plenty to see at this year's show. As well as the usual exhibitions, sideshows, rides and show bags there will be approximately 30-tousand competitive entries ranging from Alpacas to Cavies. They'll all be vying for the coveted champion ribbon.

As usual, the Main Arena will be a major focus - Grand Parades, human cannonballs, marching bands, sheepdog trials, dressage and nightly fireworks to name a few. And the best thing is they are all free.

You'll notice a few changes too. The Kingsway has been given a two million-dollar facelift - new trees, paving, seating and plenty of green grass. It will also feature lots of roving entertainment each day.

The Royal Adelaide Show is known as the people's event and has something for everyone - that's why it's regarded as the best sow in Australia. It opens on Friday 1 September and runs until 9 September 2006. See you there.

"It's Showtime"
Royal Adelaide Show
1 - 9 Sept
Info Line 8210 5211