Tickets are selling fast for one of Australia's most loved rodeos, the adrenaline-fuelled NRCA National Rodeo Finals being held at the Dalby Showgrounds on November 3 – 4.
Now in its 17th year, the event offers all the crowd-pleasing showmanship, entertainment and family activities fans have come to expect and more.
NRCA general manager Janelle Barraclough said organisers were delighted to secure as the prime comedy act, ‘Big Al' Wilson, who has won the title of Best Rodeo Clown Entertainer in Australia 15 times and Funniest Rodeo Clown in New Zealand five times.
We're expecting record numbers of families and rodeo enthusiasts to come down and check out the thrills and spills of the event.
- Janelle Barraclough, NRCA general manager.
“We know he'll bring his special brand of comedy to the event, along with his monster truck act which will be an instant hit with the kids,” she said.
“In keeping with our mission to make this a value-for-money event, family passes now include an extra child or pensioner to help with the cost of attending.
“This year, we've also increased the prize money from $1,500 to $2,500 for senior events, culminating in over $35,000 in prize money on offer.
“This enables us to continue raising the bar on industry standards, while rewarding the efforts of our premium riders.”
This year's event will see the return of popular events including:
- The highly anticipated Dalby Ute Muster being held on Saturday, November 4, from 3 – 4pm prior to the grand final performance.
- The Hopes n Dreams Pink Lady Barrel Classic, which raises funds for breast cancer will be held on the Saturday from 9 – 10am.
- An introduction to the 2018 Rodeo Queen of Australia Rebekah McMahon.
- The Under-14 junior pony bareback ride, which has become a crowd favourite.
- Entertainment by the legendary country singer Mik Oberle on Saturday night from 10pm until late.
- Feature bull ‘Guns n Roses’, the reigning Northern Australia Bucking Bull of The Year.
Mrs Barraclough said the “best of the best” Australian cowboys and cowgirls will showcase their jaw-dropping skills across a large slate of events bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, rope and tie, barrel racing, bull riding and best all-around rider.
“We're expecting record numbers of families and rodeo enthusiasts to come down and check out the thrills and spills of the event.
Rodeos are a unique sport that capture the true spirit of the bush, and an unforgettably epic experience.”
Camping is available free of charge, however no eskies are allowed at the event. Tickets are available at the gate or online at www.nationalrodeocouncil.com.au or by calling the NCRA office on (02) 6737 3777.