a cup ice cream cone filled with vanilla ice cream, chopped strawberries and strawberry ice cream, topped with whipped cream and a whole strawberry. At Ekka 2014, around 117,000 strawberry sundaes were consumed. Impact The Ekka, due to its large attendance, raises a large amount of revenue. Estimates of this number average around the $100 million mark, yet this amount may fluctuate with weather in Brisbane at the time (a particularly wet August may reduce attendance significantly). Because of the cultural significance of the Ekka, the City of Brisbane holds a Wednesday public holiday known as "People's Day". The Ekka starts on the first Friday in August, except if the first Friday is before 5 August, in which case it starts on the second Friday of August. People's Day is then the Wednesday after the Ekka commences. To avoid overcrowding, some surrounding regions have the public holiday on alternative days. Ekka Winds Frequently, in the week leading up to the Ekka, the chilly 'Ekka winds' descend on Brisbane. These are westerly winds caused by high pressure systems in the Great Australian Bight. References External links Recurring events established in 1876 Culture of Brisbane Royal shows in Australia 1876 establishments in Australia History of Brisbane Agriculture in Queensland