Star-studded cast at Wagin rodeo
The stars have aligned for this year’s Wagin Woolorama Rodeo Spectacular, according to rodeo steward Arthur Pederick.
Mr Pederick said the Saturday night spectacle was fast being recognised as one of the most successful rodeos in Australia.
“I’ve been told by riders that when they enter the arena, the hair stands up on the back of their necks from the atmosphere,” he said.
In its eighth year, this year’s event will feature not one but three rodeo queens — Rodeo Queen of Australia Renee Boston, of Mareeba, Queensland, as well as Millie Haines, of Kingslake, Victoria, and Colleen Shields, of Bahrs Scrub, Queensland.
Ms Haines and Ms Shields, who will sing the national anthem and read the cowboy’s prayer, respectively, placed equal second in the national rodeo queen competition.
Added to the star-studded cast, rodeo chute boss Bronwyn Hill was recently named Champion Steer Undecorator at the Australian Bushman’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association finals in Tamworth, NSW, while secondary chute boss Wade McCarthy, of Bindoon, was named National Champion Bull Rider.
Over the years, Mr Pederick has worked hard to improve the event. From the design of the grounds — Woolorama now boasts a permanent, custom-designed arena — to lighting and maintaining a tight schedule, the one-time rodeo novice has made the event a highlight on the national rodeo calendar.
With steer undecorating, rope and tie, bull riding, steer wrestling, saddlebronc, bareback bronc and barrel racing on the schedule, Mr Pederick promises a night of non-stop action.
