Almost half of the State's population makes the annual trip to Adelaide Showground, making this an important social event as well as a chance to appreciate all that South Australia has to offer.

Taking centre stage is the grand parade, where the champion livestock is proudly shown off. Entertainment includes dance and gymnastics displays, woodchopping competitions, daredevil motorbike riding, precision driving teams, pig racing, sheepdog trials and plenty of fireworks.

Visitors can also take part in avocado tastings, cake decorating, chocolate competitions and indulge in hot chips, donuts and fairy floss, or just have a nice cup of tea in the Country Women's Association café.

For those wanting a little more excitement, the organisers claim that, for nine days, the Showground becomes the State's major theme park, with no fewer than 27 rides to get the adrenalin pumping. Defy gravity in the Gravitron, scale the high seas in the Pirate Ship, or re-acquaint yourself with traditional rides such as the Zipper, the Enterprise and the Rainbow. Australia's fastest ride, the Scorpion, tests your need for speed to the limit.

Keep an eye on the Royal Adelaide Show website for all the breaking news.