Get your spurs ready, Yass! The full-throttle action of a traditional rodeo is set to return to the Yass Show grounds on Saturday, November 22, with the second annual Yass River Co Rodeo hosted by the Yass Region Rodeo Association.
After a successful debut, the event promises to be bigger, with the club anticipating a massive turnout of competitors and spectators alike.
“I would be surprised if we didn’t do that again, if not better,” said Association Secretary Alex Tyson about last year’s nearly 500 competitors, speaking with the Times.
“It will be interesting for me to see if we get the same momentum and participation from the community, and I’m hoping we just grow from it.”
The rodeo, which is sanctioned under the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA), will feature a full program of timed events, including the traditional rough stock and skill challenges.
To enhance the viewing experience and help beat the heat, Ms Tyson noted a key new feature.
“As a point of difference this year, we’re going to have two big screens, so that will allow a better spectator experience and, particularly during the heat of the day, allow people a vantage point in the shade,” she explained. “I think that will be a bit more family-friendly.”
The action will run from approximately 8 am until 9 pm, depending on the final number of entries.
Beyond the arena, the event will once again feature Bell’s Amusements, a popular drawcard for all ages, alongside a wide array of Western vendors and food stalls spread across the grounds.
“I’m hoping it will be a good family kind of chunk of the day,” Ms Tyson added.
The Yass Region Rodeo Association is committed to attracting top-tier talent by securing high-quality contractors and livestock, including the likes of McPhee for the bronc riding. The event will also award three prestigious memorial buckles: the perpetual Pat Condon Memorial for the bull ride, the Tim Darmody rope and tie, and the George Hempenstall all-around Memorial.
The Association is also continuing its valuable partnership with the 42 Cast Group, a support group for veteran first-line servicemen and women.
“We intend to just keep kind of supporting each other, including giving back to that organisation financially,” Ms Tyson confirmed. The viability of the rodeo, according to Ms Tyson, rests heavily on the support of the local business community.
“It’s a bit of a tough gig without very proactive sponsors, and we do have that,” she said. The committee is encouraging attendees to purchase tickets early, as they have found excitement often peaks just before the event.
“We are encouraging people to pre-buy their tickets online, and we are offering a very generous discount across the board for those pre-purchased tickets,” Ms Tyson said. Pre-buying not only saves attendees money but also helps the committee lock in vital up-front funds.
Tickets are now available for purchase, so rodeo fans are advised to get in early to secure their spot at a discount for what promises to be a thrilling day out.
Nyssa Stadtmiller
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