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Records indicate that the first Show was held at Recreation Reserve. The Reserve was located at what we now know as Woodroffe Park directly behind the Southport RSL in Lawson Street.
From research undertaken, it is apparent that the Show then moved to farmland donated by the Owen family in Queens Street Southport. The Show operated on these grounds until 1988 when it moved to it’s present location at Parklands in 1989. This complex comprises 47 hectares in area and was purpose built for the Show Society along with Harness and Greyhound racing facilities.
The reason for relocating from Owen Park was purely because the Show had outgrown the venue and needed to have larger grounds to cater for the growing numbers attending the Show each year.
Originally the Show was called ‘The Southport Show’ until 1952 when it became the ‘South Coast Show’. It changed its name to the ‘The Gold Coast Show Society in about 1959.
The first real event took place at Parklands in 1989. In fact the grounds were so new that the Show, which has traditionally been held in late August, had to be postponed until late October. The finishing touches to the grounds were still being completed up to the day before the Show opening. There was little grass or ground cover which made it difficult for both the Society and Patrons, at that time.
 It is significant to remember that the crowds attending the Show have increased almost every year since moving to Parklands. Since 1996 the crowds have increased from 48,000 to 64,000.
Every year the Gold Coast Show host the popular and traditional Show events featuring fireworks displays, ring events, Australiana displays, show bags, wood chops, side show alley, visual arts and home crafts displays, stage shows, roving entertainment and of course the FREE family circus. Added to this is an an entertainment package changing each year
 In 2006, the Show Society celebrated the Centenary of Shows and are not aware of any other community event within the region that has continued to function successfully for such a long period.
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| MEDIA SUPPORT: |
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The Gold Coast Show initiates a comprehensive Marketing and Promotion Campaign each year receiving generous support from all local Media – many of whom are major Sponsors and actively participate in the Show! These local media sponsors include Channel 9, Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast Sun, 92.5 Gold FM and 90.9 Sea FM. Through this support, the value of the paid advertising schedule is well over $80,000.
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| PUBLICITY EVERYWHERE: |
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Show Management ensures that a constant stream of editorial, photos, news stories and features are available to all media - including stories about Sponsors, Events and personalities for months prior to and during the Show.
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| HOMESHOW & BUSINESS DISPLAYS: |
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Literally hundreds of corporations, companies and businesses use the Gold Coast Show as an excellent platform to market and promote their goods and services to the ever-increasing number of show visitors – in this, the fastest growing community in Australia. Almost 250 indoor and outdoor sites are available – covering every aspect of Business from Tourism to Manufacturing, Homeshow to Industrial, wholesale and retail!
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| SHOWCASING THE GOLD COAST: |
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The Gold Coast is one of Australia's foremost holiday destinations.
Some of the Companies and Organisations that participate in the Gold Coast Show include Pura Milk, Coca- Cola, PJ Art Gallery, Bernies Pet & Produce, Stockland, Robina Land Corp., RACQ Insurance, Suncorp, Gall Standfield & Smith, Spotlight Stores, Gold Coast Harness Racing and the Parklands Trust together with a host of leading local entities such as Jacaru Australia and the Award Winning Goldstein’s Bakery!
The Gold Coast City Council, Police, Fire Brigade, Defence Department, Schools and Universities use the Gold Coast Show to inform the local and visiting public at this, the Gold Coast’s largest Community Event.
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