The Yass Region Rodeo Association is back and bigger than ever, with an action packed event planned for Saturday, March 22. The event is set to bring the community together for an exciting afternoon and evening of bull riding, family-friendly entertainment, and plenty of fun for all ages.
The event will run from 5pm to 8:30pm, with gates opening at 3 pm. The focus will be on Bucking Bulls and not other events, it will be action packed.
“This year, we’ve moved it to Saturday, so people have more flexibility to arrive between 3 and 5 p.m. We’ll have music, the bar open, and amusements for the kids,” said Corey Nicholson, one of the event organisers.
Alex Tyson, another one of the event organisers, shared the committee’s commitment to giving back to the community. “Any excess funds are returned back into the community,” he explained. “We support 42Casts, a locally-founded group that helps us with manpower, and in turn, we support them financially through crowdfunding on the day.”
Another key focus for the team is the development of local talent. Tyson added, “We’re in the early stages, but we want to create a platform for entry-level competitors to rise to the professional league. It’s something we’re working on and hope to grow in the future.”
Animal welfare is also a priority for the committee. Tyson, who is both the secretary and a vet, emphasised the importance of caring for the animals involved.
“Animal welfare is paramount for us. It’s something I take very seriously, especially as I work alongside the PBR and the BBA to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals,” she said.
Corey Nicholson reflected on the success of last year’s event and how far the rodeo has come. “We held our first bull ride in March last year, and it was a massive success. We sold 400 pre-tickets and were overwhelmed by the crowd that turned up,” he said. “There hasn’t been anything in Yass since 2019, so when a few of us got together, we decided to bring the rodeo back. The event is now an independent venture, no longer tied to the Yass Show, but with the same passion for bringing people together.
“We’ve learned a lot since last year. This time, we’ve got a ticketing company on board and have made improvements in every area,” Nicholson said. “This time, we’re fully prepared with staff and a well-organised system.”
This year’s rodeo promises to be even more thrilling, with a full schedule of entertainment. “We’ll have Bell’s Amusements, trick riders at halftime, and of course, the bull rides,” Nicholson said. “We’re expecting around 40 bulls, and we’ve got some great riders coming this time.” One of the changes this year is the format. “It’s a bit like 20/20 cricket. We’re keeping it short, sharp, and entertaining, so you’re in and out without being out in the heat all day,” he added.
With a larger crowd expected and a focus on providing a fantastic experience for attendees, the Yass Rodeo is shaping up to be a must-see event. Whether you’re a fan of bull riding or simply looking for a fun day out, this year’s rodeo is sure to deliver something for everyone.
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
