MURRABIT is gearing up for its first rodeo, with big crowds expected in the small Murray River town next month.
Presented by Murrabit Football Netball Club in conjunction with Woodall Rodeo Productions, the rodeo will be held on Saturday, April 12, at Murrabit Recreation Reserve.
It will feature as the Ride Tuff Series final, including the buckle presentation.
Events include open bullride, open bareback, open saddle bronc, ladies barrel and second division and junior events.
There will be food available from the club’s canteen, a barbecue and food truck options.
And a kids entertainment area, including jumping castles, playground and mechanical bull ride.
Nathan Henry, who is part of the organising committee, said the club was always looking at ways to raise money for the local area.
“It’s sort of come about through the football club, but we’re trying to get all other Murrabit organisations involved to try and make it a community-based activity, rather than just focused on the footy club,” he said.
“With such a small community, people quite often cross over from one club to the other, so whilst there’ll be some school parent club members there, they’re also football club and cricket club and tennis club members.”
Mr Henry said the event was uncharted territory for Murrabit because of its size.
“We’ve just finished our cod challenge, which we’ve run for 15 years, and that’s sort of been a major fundraiser for the footy club, and we deal with 300 competitors, but now with the rodeo, we could have up to 2000 people there,” he said.
“We’ve got the online ticket sales running now, just to give us a bit of an idea as to the intentions and to make sure we’re prepared.
“But obviously a lot of tickets do get sold at the gate. It’s preferred to book ahead and sort of save a bit of time when entering, but we can accept people at the gate.”
Musical performances will be held after the rodeo, with No Plans and Elias Lanyon taking to the stage.
There is also free camping available at the recreation reserve.
“There’ll be a number of maps loaded onto the Facebook page to show people where they can park and where they can camp, and also give you an idea as to where the rodeo will be happening,” Mr Henry said.
“It’s all going to run out on the footy oval itself, fully lit up with lights.
“It should be a really good weekend, something that we’re excited about.”
Mr Henry said it’s hoped the rodeo will become an annual event.
“Not only for the football club, but for the Murrabit community to have something to draw people in,” he said.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children and $100 for a family.
Book online at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1349130.
