General News
14 May, 2025
Chillagoe rodeo set for a good show
THE rodeo season continues this weekend with the Chillagoe Rodeo expecting to build on its numbers from last year and draw in a multitude of talented cowboys and cowgirls from all over.
The event will feature plenty of rodeo action across Friday night and all-day Saturday, as well as the infamous helicopter lolly drop, live music, camping, and food and merchandise stalls.
“It’s going to be really good. From what I’ve heard, we’re expecting to up last year’s turnout,” president Toni Porter said.
“We should have a bigger turnout of riders, so hopefully a few more spectators will come with that.
“It’s a really good family event and everyone’s welcome. There’s camping available, plenty of food, and live music, so it should be a good show.”
To get things underway, there will be four events from 5.30pm Friday, including novice barrel racing, bull riding, chute dogging, and then the bushman’s buckjump.
Country band Kurdaz will then sing the night away. The bar will shut at midnight on both nights.
A full day of rodeo action will then kick off from 8am on Saturday, with the lolly drop sure to garner some excitement for the kids.
More events for the kids include a best dressed and colouring competition.
“We’ll clear the arena, and we’ll get a helicopter to fly over and drop the lollies out, then kids will have a free-for-all and run in and grab as many lollies as they can. It’s always a fun part of the rodeo,” Ms Porter said.
Saturday night is sure to be eventful with plenty of bull and bronc riding action, including the newly added women’s ranch bronc ride, while the open bullride will close the event.
Following the final event, the popular Dusty Haven will play late into the night.
There will be several food vans on-site, as well as stall holders selling a range of western gear.
Tickets are available online via www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1345383, or at the gate.
The Chillagoe Rodeo grounds are located at 78 Frew St, Chillagoe.
