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With little rodeo action interstate due to COVID-19, it is expected there will be excellent nominations for the two rodeos which are new events for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.

Both rodeos will be preceded on the Friday starting at 10am by a Build A Cowboy Day which is designed to introduce the whole family to the sport of rodeo.

Kenny said many of the competitors heading to the Fraser Coast for the rodeos would be at the venues on the Friday to meet future rodeo fans and competitors.

“We have spoken to pony clubs and want to be able to show participants how to rope a beast and tell them all about the rough stock and timed events which make up the eight championship events in the APRA,” he said.

“There will be free admission for all family members to the Build A Cowboy Days which are at 10am at the rodeo venues on the eve of each rodeo.

“Officers from the Fraser Coast Regional Council have given great support to the idea of having two rodeos in the area.

“We are promoting the rodeos as a chance for competitors to hang out at the beach during the Christmas/New Year break and compete in both rodeos.”

The Hervey Bay Rodeo with open, second division and junior events will start at 1pm on January 1 at The Fraser Coast Sports Recreational Precinct.

It will be followed on January 2 by a Show And Shine for vehicles and motor bikes and a junior rodeo at the same venue.

The Maryborough Rodeo at the Maryborough Showgrounds is on January 8 from 1pm. The next day, rodeo organisers are holding a Show And Shine at the showgrounds and a junior rodeo.

Portable rodeo arenas will be set up in both towns for the rodeos with seating for spectators.

As with most rodeos, there will be music after each rodeo with Eight Ball Aitkin performing at Hervey Bay and Mik Overle and Larry Cann on the program at Maryborough.

Graham Freund is assisting with the rodeo promotion on the Fraser Coast and said the APRA was being welcomed with open arms.

“We want to make the rodeos an annual event,” he said.

Freund has promoted rodeos in both Texas, USA, and Australia.

“I am hoping for a crowd of 5000 at each rodeo. People have been starved of events this year and all events are getting a strong response from the public,” he said.

“We are working with the Hervey Bay Rotary Club to organise the rodeos.”

There will be rodeo information at the Station Square Shopping Centre in Maryborough on January 3-5 between the two rodeos.

More information APRA on 07 4661 8481

Photo of Jordan Iker by Barry Richards Photography

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