With more than 14,000 spectators flowing through the gates of Kerribee Park last year, the stage is set for the 2018 Mareeba Rodeo to be one of the most anticipated events on the FNQ social calendar.
Mareeba Rodeo Association secretary Lee-Anne Brown said she expects the number of visitors “to be a little higher this year”.
“Every year our event seems to attract a five to 10 percent increase in patrons. We put this down to people enjoying themselves so much that they come back the following year with their friends,” Lee-Anne said.
“The event has grown to the point where we hold it over the two days of the weekend, with a fortnight of events held in the lead-up, including a cutting competition, horse sports, cowpokes, a ute muster, a Rodeo Queen competition and garden awards.”
She said the rodeo weekend starts on Friday night with the Downtown Parade.
“We have different categories in this parade where entrants can win a prize for best float, and at the end of the parade the Rodeo Queen, Rodeo Princess, and Miss Popularity are announced.”
The rodeo begins the following morning from 7.30am and continues into the night, with the State of Origin event capping the day.
“The State of Origin is the highlight of the weekend where cowboys and cowgirls from Qld and NSW compete for the perpetual trophy.”
Lee-Anne said the official opening of the rodeo will be held on the Saturday night, and will feature a flares display, trick horse rider, comedy clown, and a cabaret with live local bands to keep the crowd entertained.
On the Sunday the rodeo continues from 7.30am before coming to a close at 5pm. To coincide with the rodeo, the traditional agricultural show is being held where you can inspect the entries in the various displays, visit the sideshow alley, the animal farm and watch the action at the woodchops.
Nomination forms for all events will be posted on www.mareebarodeo.com.au in February. For enquiries contact 4092 1583 or info@mareebarodeo.com.au.