Close to 2000 adrenaline-junkies are expected to pour into the Dalrymple Equestrian Complex in Charters Towers for the ABCRA-sanctioned Dust 'N' Gold Rodeo taking place on Saturday, April 13.
The Charters Towers Rodeo Association (CTRA) will again play host to the event which is nearing it's 75th anniversary, and CTRA media coordinator Tonia Burgoine said the Dust 'N' Gold always delivers a thrilling spectacle for those in attendance on the day.
"In addition to the first-rate rodeo action, the Dust 'N' Gold also provides our guests and competitors with a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family," Ms Burgoine said.
"There's always a great atmosphere on the day, and our organising committee ensure it's very much a family-friendly affair," she said.
Ms Burgoine said the gates will open at 10am, with the first performance to start soon after, with the majority of the novice and junior class events to be held in the morning.
"The competition will continue throughout the day, before culminating with the main performance from 6pm, which will include the traditional grand entry and singing of the national anthem.
"During the night the Open class riders will be competing fiercely to get early points up on the ABCRA leaderboard in advance of the end of year finals, in bullride, saddlebronc, bareback, barrels, steer wrestling and roping events."
Ms Burgoine said after the dust has settled and the victors emerge from the various events, guests can keep the good times going until 1am accompanied by live music by 52 Pick-Up.
"A licensed bar, canteen and food stalls will be operating all day and night, meaning guests will never have to miss a minute of the rodeo action."
She said nominations for the Dust 'N' Gold will open on Thursday, April 4, and competitors will be able to register through the ABCRA website link.
"We had close to 300 nominations last year, and we'll be expecting similar numbers this year.
"The Dust 'N' Gold always generates plenty of interest from riders young and old, predominantly situated across the state, which in turn creates a high standard of competition."
Ms Burgoine said tickets for the Dust 'N' Gold can be purchased at the gate on the day.
"On behalf of the CTRA, I'd like to thank the Charters Towers community, our event sponsors, and the competitors for helping us to continue to realise this ever-popular event."
- For enquiries please email charterstowersrodeo@gmail.com