Nicole McDonald of M5 Rodeo Promotions is enthused by the response to last year’s event, which has seen the need for multiple new seating options to be introduced in anticipation of “another large crowd” attending this year.
“M5 is super excited to bring the rodeo back to Echuca after the great response we had last year.
“We have brought in premium seating this year as an option to bring families closer to the action.”
Seven-time Australian Professional Rodeo Association All-Around Cowgirl Champion Cherie O’Donoghue, who will compete in the barrel race and breakaway roping events, shares McDonald’s eagerness for Friday’s event, having placed on the podium in breakaway roping at last year’s rodeo.
“It was great, there was a very vocal crowd that got right into it, which is always good fun. It was really well-organised with a huge crowd,” said O’Donoghue, who hails from Lockington.
Although she did admit that “it’s always very nerve-racking competing in front of what I’d consider a home crowd”.
O’Donoghue’s partner, Lee Kimber, the former executive chairman of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, will also be competing in the steer wrestling event.
The rodeo will get under way at 4pm with the junior rodeo competitors kicking things off, before the ‘CowKids hour’ begins at 5.30pm.
Local children are encouraged to attend and participate in the free CowKids activities, which includes a swinging rope station, bucking dummies and photo boards.
The main event starts at 7pm, featuring the excitement of the bucking bulls and horses, roping events and barrel racing, along with live music from Gareth Leach until late.
Acting Senior Sergeant Justin McAuley of Echuca police has reminded rodeo-goers there will be nowhere to camp.
“We had an issue last year where people who had been at the rodeo parked off Campaspe Esplanade, camped there and drank there,” he said.
“We’ve had meetings with the event organisers and they have been pushing that message out across their social media.
“We will also have barriers up to stop people from camping.”
Additional police units from Bendigo will be supporting Campaspe police throughout the weekend, with their primary focus being on targeting drink or drug drivers.
Tickets to the rodeo can be purchased at m5rodeo.com.au or at the gate unless sold out prior.
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