MURRABIT’S first rodeo may have been little more than three months in the making, but on Saturday the small Murray River town will be firing on all cylinders.
No punches have been pulled in preparation for the event which will see many of Australia’s best bull-riders battle it out in the Ride Tuff Series final.
The Ride Tuff Series is presented by Woodall Rodeo Productions, and since October riders have been accruing points at rodeos held across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
This Saturday the season culminates in Murrabit, with a total of $28,000 prize money up for grabs and the coveted Ride Tuff Buckles to be presented.
Events include open bullride, open bareback, open saddle bronc, ladies barrel and second division and junior events.
Organiser Stephanie Toohey said she couldn’t believe the rodeo was here.
“The rodeo was approved two days before Christmas.
“Most people have 12 months to organise a rodeo and with businesses back to work mid-January we will have had three months to pull this off,” she said.
“It’s been seven-days a week, day and night.
“It’s absolutely been an all-hands-on-deck situation for the town.
“But we’ve got a really great committee together from the football club and they’ve just been amazing.
“Everyone brings something to the table.
“We’re all really excited, hopefully we pull it off and we get a lot of people there.”
Gates open at the Murrabit Recreation Reserve at 3pm, with Boort-born country musician Elias Lanyon kicking off the day.
Food trucks, barbecues and the Murrabit Football Netball Club’s canteen will have a wide range of food on offer.
Around 15 different outback traders will host stalls selling Akubras, fishing shirts, country and western wear, boots, footy shorts and more.
A kid’s entertainment area will include jumping castles, a mechanical bull, bungee trampolines, facepainting and shooting games.
Bullriding begins at 5pm, with the commentator also doubling as a DJ to keep the mood high in between events.
No Plans, known for their high energy and party attitude, will take to the stage after the last event and be playing hits and classics.
The bar and food trucks will be open till late.
Tickets are $35 an adult, $15 a child, or $100 for a family of up to six.
Tickets can be purchased online or on the day – cash is accepted.
Book online at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1349130.
Camping is available, however there are no powered sites, and no pets allowed.
Seats will be first in first-served.
