Community & Business
1 July, 2026
Be a part of the Mareeba rodeo vibe!
WITH only nine days to go before Mareeba’s iconic annual rodeo, organisers are encouraging everyone to consider how they get involved with the event.
Whether it’s entering a float in the popular Downtown Parade or a flashy vehicle in the Ute Muster, to participating in the Cowpokes competition or entering your best cake or a creative work in the agricultural show, the Mareeba Rodeo has many parts to it and something for everyone to enjoy.
Businesses are also being urged to get into the spirit of the rodeo and spread the word by decorating their premises and their staff for the Western Style Dress, Decorated Foyer and Window Display competition.
The competition, which is sponsored by The Express, is all about promoting the rodeo throughout the central business district so everyone who comes into Mareeba for the event feels the vibe as soon as they enter Byrnes Street.
The four judging categories are Best Western Style Dress by Staff, Best Decorated Foyer, Best Decorated Shop Window, and Best Overall, with prize money attached to each category.
To enter, go to www.mareebarodeo.com.au
It’s not too late to enter a float in the Downtown Parade in Byrnes Street which is held from 7.45pm on Friday 10 July.
Showcasing local businesses and community groups, the parade does two laps of Byrnes Street, flanked by thousands of people who come out to watch the spectacle, which is followed by the crowning of the 2026 Mareeba Rodeo Queen and Rodeo Princess.
There are eight cash prizes up for grabs. Entries close on 6 July.
This year, the Cowpoke Competition gets an exciting new look as it becomes part of the rodeo festivities on Saturday 11 July.
Open to kids from 6-12 years, the competition will see the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl selected to be the 2026 Cowpokes, and get the chance to ride in the Grand Entry Parade on Saturday night.
Judging will happen at Kerribee Park on Saturday from 10am-12 noon.
Another highlight for this year’s event will be the Ute Muster Show and Shine Competition which features seven categories.
The winners will take part in the Downtown Parade on Friday night as well as display their beloved utes at the rodeo grounds on Saturday.
