Royal Show offers free entry for kids

Kids are striking gold at the 2013 Perth Royal Show.

This year, children under the age of 12 will be granted free entry to the show.

It will mean savings for families; for example, a family with two primary school children will save $26 on entry fees.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said today that the State Government would invest $1.2 million to provide free entry for children in that age group, when accompanied by an adult.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the Government would also give $800,000 through Royalties for Regions to associated regional shows so children could have free entry.

Mr Baston said the Royal Show was the perfect way for the Government to promote the benefits of farming and agriculture to a wide audience.

"This gesture helps to nurture city-country relations and encourages attendance at agricultural shows throughout the State," he said.

"These shows highlight the value of WA's agriculture sector. The Perth Royal Show, in particular, gives city children real insight into where their food comes from."

Mr Grylls said the event, and agricultural shows across the regions, were an important part of promoting regional WA.

"Agricultural shows are a highlight of the year for many regional families and, as well as being fantastic community events, they also give primary producers the opportunity to show their produce, participate in high-level competition and promote the regions," he said.

Royal Agricultural Society of WA president Hugh Harding said the initiative had increased attendance at the show by up to 50,000 patrons each year.