Ekka hailed as best in 20 years

Brisbane's annual show the Ekka has been hailed as one of the best ever.

The 10-day event ends with more than 500,000 people passing through the gates thisyear.

RNA chairman Vivian Edwards said crowds were the biggest in 20 years.

"Thank you Queensland for your support and love for the show," Dr Edwards said in astatement.

Fears of a flu epidemic last year reduced crowd numbers to dismal lows and therewere concerns people may stay home this year to watch the Olympics in Beijing.

"I think this is the best crowd we have had for a number of years and judging by smiles on faces throughout the past 10 days everyone has had a ball," Dr Edwardssaid.

He said the final best in show award was presented at 3pm (AEST) Saturday in the dogpavilion to a fox terrier smooth hair named Champion Wyninebah.

In other fun Ekka 2008 facts more than 130,000 people fed and cuddled baby animals, around 150,000 dagwood dogs were consumed, 120 baby chickens were hatched and twored boer goats born.

The most popular showbags included High School Musical 2, Hannah Montana, Dora theExplorer, Cadbury and the Rip Snorter Super Bag.

The best extreme ride went to Skywalker, which whisked thrillseekers 24 metres intothe air whilst spinning them in all directions.

The best children's ride - the Sea Xplorer (Xplorer) - was not as frightening.

Popular rock band Faker will also be performing.