By Jeremy Sollars
The Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals Rodeo and Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup kicked off on Monday, 23 October, with the action starting at 5am. The first round of the Vanderfield Hino Ladies Silver Cup Campdraft was followed by the Canning Downs Black Toyota Campdraft.
Rodeo action is set to begin with the first round of the Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals Rodeo from 6pm tonight, Thursday 26 October, and the remaining rounds tomorrow night, Friday, Saturday evening and on Sunday afternoon.
Warwick Show and Rodeo Society spokeswoman Kate Christensen said there would “not be a dull moment throughout the event”.
“APRA and Miss Rodeo Australia will be teaming up with Hitchley and Harrow to host the former World Champion Barrel Racer, Fallon Taylor, throughout the event,” Kate said.
“Fallon can be seen around the grounds at special events and signing autographs.
“Having international guests such as Fallon is the perfect way to put ‘Australia’s Most Famous Rodeo’ on the world stage.
“We cannot put such an action-packed event together without the hard work and dedication of our valued volunteers.
“Our Grounds committee has been working day and night to get the grounds and arena ready for the event, and have worked tirelessly to bring out the best of our venue.
“Our volunteers go above and beyond, not just in the weeks leading up to the Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals and Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup, but throughout the entire year.
“It is a labour of love, and we are ever so grateful for their efforts.
“These hard working volunteers are the backbone of our organisation, and we couldn’t produce such a spectacular event without them.”
Also properly geared up for this year’s rodeo is the newly crowned 2017 Warwick Rodeo Queen, Meghan Stewart.
Meg, as she prefers to be called, is going to be flat out this weekend, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She’s already been busy with visits to local schools and nursing homes, but the last weekend in October is the big one for Meg and the other Rodeo Queen Quest winners.
“I’ll be leading the Street Parade on Saturday along with 2016 Queen Ashleigh Grant – it’s a huge honour, and I think people will be excited the parade is back on this year, it always brings a huge crowd by the main street,” Meg told the Free Times.
“I’ll be down at the Showgrounds straight after the parade, we’ll be doing the Grand Entries and assisting with presentations and lead-outs.
“Basically, our Queen co-ordinator Kelly Mullins and the committee will be doing all the organisation – for me it’s really just a matter of being where I have to be and when.”
Meg is a barrel-racer of many years’ experience, but her Rodeo Queen duties this year prevented her from trying out for the APRA finals.
“I’ve competed in barrel racing for a few years – I was fortunate enough to make it to the National High School Rodeo Finals in the United States,” she said.
* The John Dee Rodeo Street Parade starts 10am this Saturday 28 October, and will be held up Palmerin Street, between Victoria and Fitzroy Streets.
Rodeo and Campdraft Admission Fees
1 DAY PASS
Family (2 adults and 2 children under 14 years) – $50
Adult – $25
Pensioner (aged and veterans affairs aged) – $15
Students with ID (uni or high school ID) – $15
Children (5 yrs and under 14 yrs) – $5
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4 DAY PASS
Family (2 adults and 2 children under 14 years) – $120
Adult – $55
Pensioner (aged and veterans affairs aged) – $35
Student (uni or high school ID) – $35
Child (5 yrs and under 14 yrs) – $10
Free Shuttle buses …
AUSTRALIANA PARK – Return travel is available on all services.
Friday 27 October 2017
Departing from Australiana Park quarter-hourly from 5pm to 8.30pm.
Saturday 28 October 2017
* Departing from Australiana Park half-hourly from 10am to 12 noon. Departing from Australiana Park quarter-hourly from 12.15pm to 9pm.
Sunday 29 October 2017
* Departing from Australiana Park half-hourly from 10am to 3pm.
WARWICK LIBRARY – Return travel is available on all services.
Friday 27 October 2017
* Departing from the back of the Warwick Library half-hourly from 5.15pm to 8.45pm.
Saturday 28 October 2017
* Departing from the back of the Warwick Library half-hourly from 10.15am to 9.15pm.
Sunday 29 October 2017
* Departing from the back of the Warwick Library hourly from 10.15am to 3.15pm.
Returns from Main entrance Warwick Showgrounds …
* On demand Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 2am to both Australiana Park and Warwick Library Car Park.
* On demand Sunday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm to both Australiana Park and Warwick Library Car Park.
Extra services will run when required. Times are subject to change..
Craft Markets on again in Leslie Park …
The Warwick Potters’ 39th Rodeo Craft Market is being held this Saturday in Leslie Park from 9am, in conjunction with the famous Warwick Rodeo Street Parade.
With nearly 200 sites this year, patrons will have no trouble finding early Christmas presents from the wide variety of craft stalls. And with the recent rain there are several plant, herb and cactus bargains on offer and plenty of cement and metal garden ornaments to highlight the gardens.
Sue Creed of the Potters said it was “amazing to see how creative people are and how many throwaways are recycled into useable and interesting items”. “And there’s no need to go hungry before heading up to the Rodeo or just finishing your exciting weekend, we have plenty of food and refreshment stalls, hot and cold to choose from,” Sue said.
“Leslie Park is the perfect position to view the street parade floats from and enjoy a day out at the park entertained with country music provided by Country Klassic and supported local talent.
“After the parade make sure you check out Batman’s ‘Batmobile’ which will be parked in the park.
“Along with the parade and the normal attractions, the Potters also have this year a Base Zero Mobile Rock Climbing Bungee Wall.
“The Potters together with Southern Free Times are giving away five free passes to climb the Rock Climbing Wall.”
The free passes to the Rock Climbing Wall will be won by the first five people to call the Free Times office before midday tomorrow, Friday 27 October.
