Loxton Show October weekend heat wave

October has just begun
Sun is burning down
No ozone to protect us
So we sizzle and we burn

I remember many such scorching days
Over my more than fifty years...
October long weekend holidays
Family trips to the Loxton Show

Ice creams melting in the sun
Everyone seeking a bit of shade
In between the sideshow alleys
Waiting for our turn upon the rides

The Cha-Cha and the Gee-Whiz
The Ferris Wheel, Dodgem Cars
Other rides have come along
To seduce us from our daze

Dagwood dogs and fairy floss
Hot foods being spruiked anon
Voices on loudspeaker
All clamouring for our attention

"Come along: get your hot dogs here"
"Roll up, roll up the Show's in town"
"Every child player wins a prize"
"Roll up, roll up: the show's in town"

Escape the noise: walk far away
Across the oval: to the other side
Watch the horses doing their tricks
See all the baby animals inside

Hot air from the generators
Loud hissing from those hoses
Blasting out among the tents
Feel the sun burning our noses

Everyone is wilting: sapped dry
Searching for fun to share
Seeking familiar faces among the crowd
Bodies too close for comfort: stare

"Roll up, roll up the show's in town"
The ghost train is taking them in
Trough the darkness: drawing kids
Giving them a little scare...

The roller coaster up on high
Not at this small country show
Clown games: open mouthed
"Win a prize for your girl"

Floating ducks with numbers beneath
Shoot the ducks upon the ridge
Basket ball hoops: win, win, win
Throw those hoops: win a prize

Noise: everywhere you turn
People sweating in the sun
Children overcome: afraid
Babies sleeping in their prams

Everyone comes seeking
Everyone is looking for something
Fun: luck: prizes: friends: love?
Smiling faces: crying faces: sad faces

It's all about making money: greed
Entrance fees paid at the gate
Food and drink: sustenance: appetite
Winning prizes to take home

Show bags; toys: amusements
Frivolity all day long...
Demands for everything being met
As long as money changes hands...

In the show hall: prizes
Judges worked for many days
Deciding up the winners
Cakes, flowers, fruit and veg...

Children's drawings, solouring
Arts and crafts displayed
Some have got blue ribbons
Others leave: dismayed

Cups of tea and scones with jam
Seating in sun and shade
Charities displaying wares
Gifts all, donated: hand made

Show jumping: dressage
Wood chopping: motorbikes
Stunt riders showing off
Fireworks in the night