mmg.com.au

The 68th Kyabram Rodeo takes place next week and preparations are well underway for the popular annual event.

Each year local businesses are approached to sponsor individual sections in the rodeo by event volunteers Neville Mcdonald and Graham Joiner.

There were some concerns sponsorship would be hard to come by this year after the tough time many people and businesses in the district have had financially over the past 12 months.

However, Kyabram Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Society secretary Janelle McDonald said the response has been really positive.

‘‘Many have actually upped their sponsorship and we haven’t had any refusals,’’ Mrs McDonald said.

‘‘Some people have said they really want to do their bit to support one of the towns major annual events.’’

This year’s rodeo will have all the regular competition events.

Also on the schedule is the ever-popular local steer ride where local riders get the chance to try to hang on as long as possible as a steer is released to run across the arena.

The local steer ride is expected to be limited to a maximum of 12 competitors this year and entries will need to be made on the night before 5.30pm.

Livestock for the event will once again be provided by Garry McPhee who always brings plenty of top quality bulls and horses to challenge some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in Australia.

There will also be the regular sideshow alley entertainment, fairground rides, food and drinks and live musical entertainment from local band Home Brew.

‘‘We’ve had a very dry summer and the ground is pretty hard and dry at the moment,” Mrs McDonald said.

‘‘But the surface should be good in time for the rodeo.’’

The 68th Kyabram Rodeo is being held at Kyabram Showgrounds, Allan St, Kyabram on Friday, March 8 with the main arena events due to start at 7pm.

For more information phone Janelle McDonald on 58552516.