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Geelong Rodeo bursts out of the gate

February 16, 2023 BY

More than 4,500 people made their way to the rodeo in its second year since returning to Geelong in 2022. Photos: ANDY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

THOUSANDS of Geelong residents got their fill of rodeo action at the Geelong Showgrounds Saturday (February 11) as premium seating provided splendid viewing for roughstock thrills and spills.

The Geelong Pro Rodeo further consolidated last year’s revival show, after more than a decade of absence, with organisers noting stable numbers returning through the gates over the weekend.

Jess, Grace, Eve, and Ollie from Geelong enjoying the festivities at the Showgrounds.

“We were thrilled to see the reaction from Geelong again,” co-founder of M5 Rodeo Promotions, Nicole McDonald said.

“Attendance numbers remained steady compared to last year, approximately 4,500 people came through at all ages and from the feedback we received, the spectators enjoyed some really great rodeo action, it was a super event all around.”

Cowboy Gavin Walker taking part in the Steer Wrestling portion of the main event.

Ms McDonald said the only complaint her team had received at the end of the night was that the event was over.

“Nobody wanted to leave, that’s always a good sign of a good night,” she added.

 

“We also started to notice that visitors have started coming to the rodeo from outside Geelong.

Barrel racing was again on the cards, wowing spectators with horse agility on full display.

“Colac was a big one for us, we had done a little bit to get the word out over there and we met a bunch of Colac residents as a result.

 

“But yeah, the Geelong Rodeo is an event people want to come to, and we feel it has cemented itself as a must-see event once again in the Geelong calendar.”

Lef to right: Jason Collins, Clover De Spirt, Weston De Spirt, and Latteliah De Spirt from Bacchus Marsh.

The Geelong Pro Rodeo will be back “bigger and better” next year.