Buckle up for a rodeo ride

On Saturday, January 4, Katamatite will host its third annual rodeo, with Alexandra gearing up for its seventh on Saturday, January 11.

Alexandra

More than 5000 people are expected at Alexandra’s Dame Pattie Menzies Centre for a night of equine and bovine thrills.

Alex Rodeo president Andrew Embling said this year would see a welcoming of more prizes for competitors.

“For the first time we are awarding buckles to every contestant in every event,” Mr Embling said.

“From ladies’ barrel racing to the men’s open, as well as the local steer rides, everyone will be awarded a buckle for their efforts.”

The day will also feature children’s amusements, food stalls and rodeo clothing company outlets.

“We have an iconic area where families love to get on the hill that overlooks the arena, where we will have legendary country musician Paul Costa playing from 3.45pm up to the rodeo’s start.”

Mr Embling said the event was considered one of the premier rodeos in Victoria.

“We have cowboys travelling from all up and down the eastern coast, some are even coming down from Rockhampton.

“We are at the end of what they call the ‘Christmas run’.”

Mr Embling said a priority of the Alexandra Rodeo was putting money back into the local community.

“Last year we donated $30,000 into the footy club, we also give to the the Alexandra Pony Club, the Menzies Centre gets $6000 each year, the local Scouts get a couple of grand out of it, and there are a few other small groups,” he said.

“They all come and do their bit, they put in their hours.”

The rodeo’s organiser is Destiny Downs Cattle Company and renowned rodeo stock contractors the Gill Brothers.

Danny Phegan and his band will entertain the crowd for two hours immediately after the final event until 11.45pm.

Gates open at 3pm with the rodeo starting at 5pm.

Prices are $35 adults, $15 for those aged 13 to 17 years) and children under-13 enter for free.

Online ticket buyers go into the draw for a $200 Ariat clothing voucher.

Katamatite

Community fundraising will also be at the forefront of the Katamatite Rodeo, with the local Lions club hoping to again raise $35,000.

The rodeo — in its third year — will be held at Muckatah Recreation Reserve, Muckatah and hopes to surpass the 3500 crowd of 2024.

The event’s committee chair Andrew Moffatt said calling on local community clubs made the rodeo a success.

“We make donations to all the clubs of those who visit on the day,” Mr Moffatt said.

“We involve other Lions clubs, Apex and Rotary clubs and the local football clubs at both Cobram and Katamatite to help out.

“We put all the funds raised into Katamatite and the surrounding community — it spreads it around.”

Last year more than $35,000 was given to community groups and as grants to a variety of state schools and sporting clubs.

Mr Moffatt said the club had also invested strongly in the venue.

“Last year we built a viewing bank on one side of the arena, and this year we now have one on the other side.

“So we have invested a fair amount on the actual venue to improve the day, including some constructional improvements for watering the stock.

“We have a record amount of entries so we are hoping for a really good third year.“

Mr Moffatt said traffic problems in previous years had been alleviated by starting children’s amusements earlier in the afternoon to encourage a more spread out arrival.

“Bring your kids early — the rides start after 3pm, and the music from 5pm.

“Come a bit earlier, get a good seat and enjoy it.

“The rides are also pretty cheap, with three rides for only $10, so it’s not overly expensive to give the kids the entertainment.”

Gates open at 3pm with the rodeo running from 6pm to 10pm.

Tickets are $50 adults ($45 online) with family and aged concession prices.

Both events will be fully licensed with no BYO.