General News
15 July, 2021
One day rodeo thrills large crowd
IT wasn’t the full version we’ve come to love and expect but this year’s reduced one-day Mareeba rodeo super Saturday spectacular still impressed and delighted the masses as more than 6000 bull riding and loyal fans enjoyed the event’s thrills and spills both in and out of the main arena.
IT wasn’t the full version we’ve come to love and expect but this year’s reduced one-day Mareeba rodeo super Saturday spectacular still impressed and delighted the masses as more than 6000 bull riding and loyal fans enjoyed the event’s thrills and spills both in and out of the main arena.
By 11am, the event’s carnival atmosphere was in full force with sideshow alley packed with families, children and patrons eager to enjoy a range of rides and attractions, including the spine-chilling “Freakout” which sent participants flying into the air upside down.
Other patrons tried their luck at the shooting gallery and the alley’s other drawcards. Townsville’s Greg Johnson of Johnson’s amusements operated the lucky numbers, laughing clowns, Tornado ride and hot dog wagon at the rodeo.
“A lot of us in the show and entertainment industry have been out of business for a while because of COVID so it’s sensational to be back and working at events like the awesome Mareeba rodeo,” he said.
“We’ve been busy since the gates have opened.”
Right across the rodeo grounds a range of stallholders reported excellent business.
Rodeo souvenir store volunteer Janine Boundy said the shop had been “pretty busy” since the gates opened, with Mareeba Rodeo shirts and stubby coolers proving popular amongst the patrons.
Behind the bar, manager “Nipper” Brown said a “steady stream” of people had taken the opportunity to enjoy a cold beer on what proved a particularly hot Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile the main arena looked picture perfect with eager spectators treated to plenty of bull bucking fun and horse action throughout the day and into the night.
Lara Menzies, from Cairns, said it was the perfect way to spend the weekend.
“This is my first Mareeba rodeo, I had heard all about it, and thought I’d make the trip up to see it for myself,” she said. “I haven’t been disappointed, it’s been awesome.”
Fellow Cairns residents, the Boyd Family, also had a ball, with children Genevieve, 4, Masen 10, Clarise 2, and Aleck, seven months, all enjoying the action inside the main arena.
“We have friends that own properties and enjoy this sort of thing, so we thought we’d also have a look,” mum, Rebecca, told The Express.
“It’s such a great event for the whole family, it’s great for the kids to see another way of life.” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin, who worked the gate putting wristbands on crowd members, was delighted with the day.
“I want to commend the rodeo committee on putting on a magnificent community event,” Ms Toppin said.
“What they’ve been able to do, with the restrictions of COVID and the like, is absolutely brilliant.
“The Mareeba rodeo is an iconic event and one this town continues to embrace every year.”
