Bags start from just $2 with the iconic Bertie Beetle bag and go up to as much as $30. Many bags now carry licensed products from movies, TV shows and sports. 

There’s Barcelona and Chelsea F.C bags, while the most popular option is the Jo Jo bag – the American actress who appeared on TV-show Dance Moms. 

“It was voted one of the top 10 bags for the Sydney Easter Show this year,” Showbag Warehouse operator Brenda Richards said.

 “The biggest bag for 2018 is ‘Love to Squish’, it’s huge.”

Ms Richards said showbags have come a long way in her 15 years in the industry. 

“They used to be sample bags back in the day with samples of biscuits and Vegemite,” she said. “[Now] You can’t buy anything from these showbags in the shops.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle Regional Show visited Ronald McDonald House to road-test their showbags and help put a smile on many of the families staying at the house. 

The eager children mobbed Newcastle Regional Show president Lauren Haskins when she arrived in the house’s communal area with over 30 showbags and family passes.

“This delivery was months in the planning between the show and showbag operators – Showbag Warehouse, Showbag Australia, Bensons Trading, Showbags R Us and Veritas Marketing,” Mrs Haskins said.

“Together we wanted to bring a little light with some of the show’s fun and excitement to the families with hospitalised children,” she said.

Ronald McDonald House Hunter community engagement co-ordinater Isha Doyle said giving families access to the show is a boost during their struggling times. 

“We are thrilled to be able to give our families the opportunity to relax and have some fun at the show,” Ms Doyle said.

Up to 18 families can stay at Ronald McDonald House every night while they have a child receiving treatment at John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

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