BULL and bronc bucking action will return to Kongorong when the town hosts its second rodeo event at the football oval tomorrow night.
After its inception over the festive period last year, the 2018 Kongorong Rodeo event has been set back a week in hope to draw a bigger crowd and list of entrants.
The support is certainly there, with more than 70 competitors entering the range of events.
Event co-coordinator Amanda Sealey said she was pleased with the way the event ran in 2017, but was excited for improvement this year.
“We received a lot of support in the event’s first year,” she said.
“Particularly given we organised it in a very short time frame and the weather was not brilliant in the week leading up to the event.
“But this event is shaping up to be bigger and better.”
Woodall Rodeo Promotions will bring bulls Snapshot, ‘Business Hour, Chain Reaction, Christie’s Curse and Waterboy to ensure spectators are on the edge of their seats.
To continue the entertainment, 2016 Australian Bull Riding Championship winner Darcy McBean has entered the event.
Putting a local spin on the competition, Kongorong youngster Jessica Shepherd will contest the women’s and junior barrel race.
After debuting in her first rodeo in early 2017, the 16-year-old is eager to do her town proud.
“Jess and her horse have been practicing and competing in a few events throughout the year to perfect the skill,” Sealey said.
The rodeo will include bull riding, bareback bronc, saddle bronc, ladies barrel race, junior and novice bull rides, as well as chute dogging.
Hours of preparation have gone into the event and Sealey said she believes the rodeo will get the support and a big crowd.
“The community comes together to support events such as these in the area, which is great,” she said.
“But without the volunteer support we would never be able to put on such events.
“Many hours go into the preparation, set up, running of the rodeo and packing up for the rodeo, so we are extremely grateful for the support of the Kongorong community.”
Gates open to the public at 3.30pm.
The band Any Other Sunday will play from 4.30pm, before the start of the rodeo between 5.30pm and 6pm and then again after the completion of the event.
The children will be entertained with both a jumping castle and mechanical bull also on site.
Fully catered with food, a barbecue and booth will also be available at the event.
Buses will run from the Target carpark in Mount Gambier from 4.30pm and out to Kongorong free of charge.
They will the returning spectators to Mount Gambier – in completion of the event – at about 10pm.
Camping is also available on site and there is plenty of car parking for the family-orientated event.
For more information email kongorongrodeo@gmail.com or follow the event on Facebook.
