Christmas rodeo expected to draw competitors to Cloncurry

Kick starting the festive season early, The Australian Junior Rodeo Association is hosting one final hurrah for local competitors before concluding the 2017 season.

The Christmas rodeo is comprised of six junior events, three open events and two second division events, including: bull ride, saddle bronc, team roping, breakaway, barrel race, rope and tie, steer wrestling and steer ride.

Event organiser, Kylee Ferguson, said the event would showcase a mixture of local and international talent.

“We have great nominations in the timed events, not a lot of rough stock nominations but enough to make it a great event,” Ms Ferguson said.

“Competitors will all be dressed in a green and red Christmas theme, we have some really great competitors to watch.

“We also have quite a few of the AJRA Australian team who will be present and make an appearance in the grand entry as well as in the competition.

“Our international guest John Michael Elliott will also compete after hosting a developmental workshop earlier on Friday morning.”

Ms Ferguson said the Association was focused on development of youth in the sport of rodeo.

“With our super talented guest, coming to Cloncurry it was the perfect opportunity to make use of his skills,” she said.

“To develop some of our youth in the area and have an event to showcase some of the talented rodeo competitors in the area.”

Rodeo announcer, Keith Douglas, is expected to put on a great exhibition keeping the crowd entertained throughout the evening.

While the spectators can enjoy the market stalls, food stalls, a visit from Santa and live entertainment into the late evening.

The Christmas Rodeo starts at the Cloncurry Equestrian Centre from 6.30pm until late.

Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for school aged children. A courtesy bus will operate from designated spots in Cloncurry from 5.30pm to 7.30pm; and 12am to 1.30am delivering people home.