THE biggest ever Merrett Logging Penola and District Community Rodeo was held on Saturday night, where thousands of attendees flocked to McCorquindale Park to watch Australia’s top riders and bucking stock.
More than 100 competitors from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia showcased their rodeo skills to judges and the large crowd.
The weather was on the event’s side, staying warm and dry for most of the evening, before a quick drizzle at around 9pm.
“We were very lucky with the weather, there was a bit of mist at around 9pm, but after that it was as good as gold,” Rodeo promotions officer Gordon Childs said.
Mr Childs said the night was an overwhelming success and the ideal setting for a family friendly evening.
“A highlight for the kids was jumping into the arena to retrieve the lollies, hundreds of them came in,” he said.
Warrnambool band Three’s a Crowd kept attendees on their feet during their set, playing an array of music.
“It was fantastic to see not only Penola community members attending, but people travelling from outside the district,” Mr Childs said.
He said the event provided a great environment to meet those in the industry in an informal setting.
“It is great to provide a different form of entertainment in the town once a year, for community members to enjoy,” Mr Childs said.
Each year, money raised from the event goes towards the Penola War Memorial Hospital and other community groups, with $40,000 raised over the years.
“The event has raised around $30,000 over the past years for the hospital, and I think they will be very happy with the success of this year’s event,” Mr Childs said.
