IT’S time to dust off the boots and buckle up for Australia’s oldest and most famous rodeo.
Crowds upwards of 25,000 are expected to gallop to the Warwick Showgrounds for a week full of action-packed excitement when this year’s Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft kicks off later this month.
Competition will be fierce as the nation’s toughest cowboys and cowgirls go head-to-head for campdraft glory from Monday 20 October, with rough stock events starting on Friday 24 October. More than 100 years of tradition and cowboy spirit combine to create the most welcoming and hospitable rodeo event in the country, CEO of Warwick Tourism and Events Tracy Vellacott said.
“The audience rolls up to experience the thrill of rough stock events like bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding, while admiring the horsemanship essential for timed events like steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing,” she said.
“Riders enter in the hope of earning a paycheck and taking home a championship buckle or saddle.”
Not only is the welcome mat rolled out at the showgrounds, downtown Warwick also turns it up with the Rose and Rodeo Festival’s Friday night Mardi Gras and Saturday’s Leslie Park Markets and Warwick Credit Union street parade.
About 150 stalls stocking home-made, home-grown and home-baked delights will adorn Leslie Park from 9am to 2pm while the street parade kicks off at noon with good vantage points all along the Palmerin Street route.
For the full Campdraft program of events, visit warwickshowandrodeo.com.au
