The River Rodeo Return
One of the region’s longest running and more unique annual events is fast approaching for its return after a two-year hiatus: the annual Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports on June 10 to 12.
A tradition going back over 135 years, the event is once again set to bring people from across Australia to Collinsville with an expected turnout of over four thousand people.
Beginning on the Friday morning, the River Rodeo will go through the entire weekend, ending on Sunday afternoon.
The Rodeo Secretary, Kim Whalan, said the committee had made a slew of upgrades for the return, as well as additional shows.
“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,” she said.
“We haven’t had a night show for over 20 years.”
The night show is an entirely new one: Rope on the River, a breakaway roping showcase featuring some of Australia’s elite talent.
In breakaway roping, the essential ingredients are that a calf is followed by a mounted horse rider, with the calf given a head start coming out of a chute. The rider chases, attempting to lasso the neck of the calf as fast as possible.
There are an expected 50 plus competitors facing off for the potential to become the winner and claim the title of first Wrangler Xtreme Breakaway Roping Event Champion.
The regular rodeo portion of the event runs Saturday and Sunday, with the Bowen River Bush Sports for kids held on the same days.
There’ll be all the favourites of the rodeo and more: campdrafting, hot food and drinks and non-stop action.
The arena is at the Bowen River Rodeo Campdraft grounds on Mt Wyatt Road in Collinsville.
“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,”
The Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports are back in the region next month
