Rodeo ready for Geelong return

BARREL racing, team roping, and steer wrestling will bring the Geelong Showgrounds to life when the rodeo makes a long-anticipated return to Geelong.

It has been more than 12 years since the Geelong Pro Rodeo has stampeded into the city, but organisers are getting ready for what will be an exhilarating return to the sport on 12 February.

“The night will be action packed,” co-owner of M5Rodeo Promotions Nicole McDonald said.

“It’s definitely an event that keeps you on the edge of your seat, it’s a great way to let your hair down and it’s a family-friendly event.”

Ms McDonald said the Geelong Rodeo events were massive before the previous committee disbanded, but a lot of planning was required to make the night possible.

“There are three main sectors to take into account to make the rodeo possible,” Ms McDonald said.

“One is getting the local Geelong community around it to support the event, the second is obtaining sponsors, then the third is engaging with the rodeo community to provide the entertainment on the night.

“The Geelong event is one of our biggest and requires close to 12 months of planning and with COVID-19 it’s a huge risk getting this event together, but we are hopeful everything will run smoothly.”

The breakdown of the day sees the junior rodeo take place at about 4pm when gates open, and between 5.30 and 6.30pm is the Cow Kids Hour that sees children give roping and bucking a go on several dummies used for training.

The main events begin at 7pm with bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc and all roping events to raise the energy levels of the day.

VIP tickets have already sold out and general admission is expected to go quickly.

Adult tickets are $30, concession is set at $20 and child tickets between 10 and 17 years-old are $10 a head. Kids 10 and under get in free.

For tickets head to m5rodeo.com.au.

– BY VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT