The nation’s ultimate rodeo event is again set to electrify the crowd with nail-biting thrills, spills and spectacular showmanship at the Dalby Showgrounds from November 4-6.
The 2016 National Rodeo Finals, hosted by the National Rodeo Council of Australia (NRCA), will deliver value-for-money entertainment for families including Ashton circus performers, amusement rides, a country and western trade fair and food alley, alongside the exhilarating main attraction – the national finals featuring the country’s finest rodeo riders.
2016 is expected to be another record breaking year for crowd numbers.
Last year more than 8000 people attended the event, which is now in its 23rd year.
This year the finals will take place on November 4-5 from 6pm until late, with close to 150 riders expected to participate.
“We're in for an amazing edge-of-your-seat display of skills from our most talented cowboys and cowgirls,” NRCA general manager Janelle Barraclough said.
“From the fast paced action of the ladies in the barrel race, to the thrills and spills of the rough stock bull riding and bronc rides, the 2016 finals is jam packed with crowd-pleasing events.”
Amid the line up of action there will be:
- Unique Horseman Colt Starting Challenge: From 10am to 3pm each day, you can see three legends and three young guns jostle for supremacy in the art of handling and starting unbroken horses.
- Dalby Ute Muster: Check out utes from near and far on Saturday, November 5 from 3pm to 4pm. Gates open from 2pm.
- Hopes’n’Dreams Lady Barrel Classic: On Sunday morning at 9am.
- Rodeo Queen of Australia: The glitz and glamour of NRCA’s very own Rodeo Queen of Australia Miss Bessie Smits will make a special appearance and will lead the grand entry.
Live music and entertainment will run across the weekend, including Mik Oberle who will no doubt get the crowd pumped with his song, Bull Rider.
Dalby will roll out the red carpet for rodeo goers with Western Downs Regional Council excited to host the event for the fourth consecutive year.
"Our community truly comes alive when the rodeo comes to town,” council economic development spokeswoman Donna Ashurst said.
“The finals add to the vibrancy of our region, and the event allows residents and visitors alike to experience our great country hospitality along with Dalby's many historic and natural attractions.”
So saddle up and head to Dalby for what promises to be a great weekend of family entertainment.
