They promised thrills and spills at the Wingham Summertime Rodeo and audiences weren’t disappointed.
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A record crowd of around 6000 filled the Wingham Showground Rodeo Arena to capacity for what has been described as the “biggest and best ever.”
Wingham Show Society president Elaine Turner suggested the cooler weather this year encouraged more spectators to attend with organisers forced to close the gates at 7pm.
“The whole emphasis this year was on a fun, family day out,” said Elaine.
Competitor entries exceeded 300 riders coming from as far as Alice Springs and Western Australia.
Many were vying for points towards the ABCRA National titles later in the year and there was also $15,000 worth of prize money up for graps.
“It was an injury free event,” confirmed Elaine, referring to the animals.
The same couldn’t be said for the riders with Wingham local Braedyn Cameron coming a cropper in the novice bull ride.
With nothing broken but his pride, Braedyn said he was disappointed the rodeo was over for him so quickly (less than four seconds) in front of a home crowd.
“If it was any other show you wouldn’t mind,” he said.
Braedyn is hoping his sore muscles are better in a few weeks when he plans to jump back on a bull for the Cassilis Rodeo on February 4.
A few sprinkles of rain didn’t deter the crowds with spectators enjoying a full range of rodeo events including bull riding, saddle and bare bronc riding, barrel racing, steer undecorating, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping.
Some of the less intense entertainment included the famous rodeo clown Big Al Wilson who proved to be a real crowd pleaser with the children. Local band the Trapps provided the live, rocking sound track and a good police presence ensured a well behaved crowd.
More than 65 wheelie bins were all that remained of 12 months worth of preparation by Sunday afternoon.
Countless volunteers helped make the event possible with local groups on board to help make it a smooth running and highly entertaining event.
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