Dust off the cowboy hat and boots — the Mataura Rodeo is back.
The rodeo, which was postponed last year due to Covid, will be held on February 11.
Club secretary-treasurer Alyce Perkins is looking forward to another great event.
‘‘This year, we celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the Mataura rodeo,’’ Ms Perkins said.
‘‘It’s a great family day out, where locals can catch up with their neighbours, grab a cold drink and something good to eat while watching some great competition.’’
The rodeos over the summer holidays had been really well attended, some experiencing record attendance, she said.
‘‘We hope for a great sunny day with good crowds coming along.’’
This year’s rodeo would include all the favourites, including bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, breakaway roping and barrel racing.
The local barrel race was always a popular among families, she said.
‘‘Anyone is welcome to enter.
‘‘Barrel racing is a great way for people of all ages to get involved in the rodeo. It’s a $5 entry fee. Enter on the day.
‘‘Western or English gear is welcome. Helmets are compulsory.’’
The event everyone was eager to see was the bull ride, she said.
‘‘I think most people love the bull ride. It is our last event of the day and it brings plenty of thrills and spills.
‘‘Currently the bulls have the upper hand, as not many competitors have been able to ride the eight-seconds time to get a score over the summer rodeos. The bulls are definitely a class act.’’
Australian western sport announcer Brent Cann would be announcing again, alongside Casey Evans.
‘‘He’s always our big draw card.’’
Ms Perkins wished to acknowledge all the sponsors and members who had helped with the big event.
The 53rd Mataura Rodeo will be held on February 11 from 11am at Mataura-Wyndham Back Rd.
Adult tickets $15, children $5. Children under 5 are free.
Country singer returning as co-announcer
Casey Evans has jumped at the opportunity to be a rodeo announcer.
The country pop/rock singersongwriter, who is based in Owaka, began announcing for the Mataura Rodeo in 2020 and will be back for this year’s event on February 11.
Mrs Evans had been involved in the rodeo for many years and announcing felt like a natural progression, she said.
‘‘I used to compete in the barrel race, and I often perform at local rodeos.
‘‘I’ve been an MC for various events over the past 15 years and as a singersongwriter, running the sound and announcing the Mataura Rodeo felt like the next thing to do,’’ she said.
‘‘I no longer compete due to an injury, and announcing allows me to give back to a sport and community I’m passionate about.’’
Her experience had made for a smooth transition into announcing.
‘‘As a fellow competitor, I know the competition and how it works, and I know the competitors. Many of them are my friends and I know their backgrounds so I’m not scrambling to find things to say,’’ she said.
Mrs Evans was looking forward to coannouncing the event alongside Australian western sport announcer Brent Cann.
‘‘Working with Brent is always a highlight. It can be a bit challenging being one of the only females, and relatively young, in a predominantly male industry but he’s been very welcoming.
‘‘I’ve learnt so much from him and people tell me they really enjoy the balance between a male and a female voice,’’ she said.
‘‘I’ve learnt to look at every aspect of the rodeo as a performance or show, and how important music and announcers are to the overall crowd experience.’’
Mrs Evans wished to thank her sponsor Wrangler and all the rodeo clubs for their support.
