The countdown to the annual 2018 Paradise Lagoons Campdraft is only weeks away and the committee has put the final polish on the program.
The event will be held on-property at the multi-million dollar, purpose-built facility and spiritual home of campdrafting, Paradise Lagoons, Gracemere, from July 19 to 22.
According to Paradise Lagoons president, Tom Acton, the event attracts up to 12,000 spectators.
“We are expecting between 300 to 400 competitors and up to 1800 nominations with $270,000 in cash and trophies to be won,” Tom said.
“Our nominations will open on the campdraft central website www.campdraftcentral.com.au on June 28 and close July 10.”
He said once the nominations were closed the committee would pick the team for the Campdraft State of Origin which is the highly popular Saturday evening crowd favourite.
Tom said it was pleasing that all existing sponsors have continued their support, along with new sponsors such as the Rockhamtpon Regional Council.
“Also we have a great line-up of cattle for the draft this year with cattle donated from the Australian Cattle Beef Holdings, the Acton family, Barmount Station Feedlot, McIntyre Cattle Co, John Speed, and Stewart and Kerry Wallace, Wallace Cattle Co, Marlborough,” he said.
Judges appointed include Tony Mortimer who will judge the Graeme Acton Memorial Open, while Alan Sullivan will judge the Open draft, and the pair will combine to judge the maiden novice rider final.
Other judges include Steve Drury, Robert Durkin, Ben Weller and John Meek.
“This year we have re-introduced the Supergirl Draft and this will be judged by Kellie Bond, and includes the Judy Camm Memorial Trophy in memory of the late Judy Camm,” Tom said.
The campdraft is now in its 16th year and in addition to campdrafting and cutting this year the event will include a colt starting competition.
The elegant ladies’ lunch returns on Saturday, July 21, and the guest speaker will be Anna Daniels. Anna is a writer, presenter and producer, with a country background, warm and silly sense of humour.