RACE Entertainment is expected to be the highlight of the entertainment events. The trick riding is fast paced and all about defying gravity, pretty girls, fast horses and amazing stunts.
They will perform in the street parade before doing a crowd meet and greet after their evening performance.
The team consists of Alicia, who has been professionally trick riding for over 10 years, Ellie who started two years ago and their youngest rider Jess who is only 13 years old.
Treasurer of the Deniliquin Rodeo Committee Alan Calderwood said they hope to attract more local people and families with their new entertainment and two new competitions, one directed specifically at local children.
‘‘The junior barrel race will win one local a $200 prize but the youngster must reside within 150km of Deniliquin to be eligible to compete and pay a $20 entry fee.
‘‘An open steer ride is another addition to our annual event which allows anyone to enter for $50 with the chance of winning the $600 prize.
‘‘Both events require entry prior to the rodeo which you can do by contacting elise.huddle@gmail.com,’’ Mr Calderwood said.
He said the committee wanted to create a family atmosphere for the event, appropriate for all ages.
‘‘There is plenty of entertainment for children with face painting, Easter egg giveaways, a jumping castle, a lolly scramble and merchandise stalls,’’ he said.
The event will kick-off at 10.30am on Saturday, April 20 with a parade of horses and their riders down Cressy St in Deniliquin’s CBD, then at the Racecourse Arena at 4pm.
From 3pm, live band The Smoking Gun will pump up the crowd with some live music before the main event kicks off.
The highly anticipated bull ride is expected to be popular with more than $1000 in prizes up for grabs.
‘‘This is one of the most dangerous sports in the world which makes it so thrilling for everyone to watch. Not just anyone is able to do this; they must be agile and able to stay on for more than eight seconds to have a chance of winning.
‘‘It is one of our most popular events. We are putting $1000 in but all of the entry money will raise that prize. It will only take 10 contestants to bring that up to $1500,’’ Mr Calderwood said.
Rodeo clowns will be inside the arena helping the riders avoid injury.
Australian Professional Rodeo Association cowboys have the chance to win some big prizemoney during the night-time action, and more importantly the brave rodeo riders are looking for a win to boost their chances of qualifying for the Warwick Rodeo National Finals.
Some of the other action filled events include the saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, rope ‘n’ tie, team roping and barrel race events.
Free Purtills buses are running from caravan parks and pubs. Find the bus time table on page 12.
There are food and coffee stalls, and there will also be a licensed bar. The event is strictly no BYO.