Newman contest ropes in riders
The high-speed action of bull riding and barrel racing will be back in Newman this month.
The popular Newman Rodeo will be held at the grounds on the Great Northern Highway on Saturday, April 12.
The rodeo is affiliated to the nationally recognised Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association.
The affiliation means the full-point rodeo attracts cowgirls and cowboys vying to compete at the national titles at the end of the year.
Newman Campdraft and Rodeo Association secretary Jacinta Ronchi said the event was set to be a cracker.
"(The Association) prides itself on running one of the biggest in WA for competitor numbers and it has started to attract record crowds," she said. "The date has been set on the first weekend of the school holidays to allow competitors travelling with juniors and spectators with family to be able to come and enjoy it.
"The rodeo attracts competitors from the Great Southern region to the Top End, including East Coast bull riders."
Ronchi said the Outback Travel Stop was the preferred accommodation supplier for the event.
Up for grabs on the day will be American-sourced buckles for all round cowboy, cowgirl, junior cowboy and junior cowgirl.
"There will be bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping and can burning - the arena will not stop from 2pm to 9pm, it is guaranteed to be action packed" Ronchi said.
"There will be a full bar, hot food - proceeds from the hot food will go to our local girl Hollie Patching and her partner in crime Courtney Holden to raise funds to travel to America to compete in Western Pleasure."
Band Renegade will return for the fourth year to provide live music, while there will be a family bank with bouncy castle and market stalls during the afternoon.
Gates open at 2pm, with bus company Go West providing a free shuttle service from Newman Hotel and Red Sands Tavern car parks on the hour from 2pm.
For more information, visit www.newmanrodeo.com.au .
