Mini judges put show bags to the taste test

Children from Westmead and Randwick children's hospitals and Camp Quality put more than 400 show bags under the microscope in preparation for the show that starts on March 22.

Invited by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to critique the delights, the children were treated to agricultural entertainment and face painting for their discerning judgment.

It was an opportunity to brighten the lives of sick children, including some who are terminally ill, on the society's favourite day on the calendar.

''The kids are obviously struggling and going through a difficult period of their lives, we want a chance to put a smile to their faces,'' the society's operations manager Shane McGrath said.

The kids are trusted judges and their input is crucial in determining this year's best-selling show bags.

''Now that we're only weeks away we're looking to hear what's hot and what's not,'' Mr McGrath said.

One of the children, a leukaemia survivor, said the day was very special.

''It was really fun, it means to me a lot to me," the young judge said.

The show bag expert had the chance to get a face paint, pat puppies and walked away with six show bags of different varieties.

''I was a little bit scared at the start and then I saw all the people and I was like 'oh my gosh, this is really fun'.''

The society's general manager Murray Wilton said the show bag launch was three months in the making.

The rigorous process included testing from the Department of Fair Trading.

Mr Wilton, a father of two young children, said it was touching to see the impact the show bags had on the testers.

The children are often confined to a hospital environment but can live every child's dream of being a show bag tester.

''You count yourself very lucky that your children are healthy,'' Mr Wilton said.

Australian Associated Press