Rodeo wows the crowd

THE second annual Stony Creek Rodeo attracted over 4500 people and kept them on the edge of their seats last Saturday evening, watching the non-stop action at the Stony Creek Racecourse.

Affiliated with the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA), the Stony Creek Rodeo had official listing in national rodeo publications and following the success of last year’s inaugural event, was sure to create much interest.

Organised by Neil cope, a member of Stony Creek Football Netball Club committee, the event attracted terrific attendance spectators and from competitors – eclipsing last year’s figure of around 80.

All states of Australia were well represented by top quality riders who put on a fantastic show of talent.

“Camping at the Stony Creek Racecourse was very popular both nights, and was absolutely chock-a-block on Saturday night,” Neil said.

Organisers were pleased with the response to the courtesy bus they made available on Friday night to ferry around 140 punters back and forth between the Rodeo and the Meeniyan Hotel where Tim Ryan of Truckin’ with Tim was performing.

The gates opened on the Saturday at noon and there was plenty of fun and action throughout the afternoon. Wayne Campbell’s whip cracking was a big hit and Roy Beaumont’s sheaf tossing was well supported.

The amazing kelpies from Beloka Kelpie Stud were put through their paces, and the dog high jump was enjoyed by young and old.

There were plenty of activities and attractions to keep the littlies happy and at any given time there could be up to 30 people of all ages lining up for their turn on the ever-popular mechanical bull.

The real action began at around 7pm when the very talented riders pitted themselves against incredible bovine strength.

Under full lighting, each event including team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, bareback bronc riding and barrel racing was a spectacle of nail-biting action.

Later in the evening, toes were tapping with music from Truckin’ with Tim and foot stompin’ band Ruckus.

There were food and refreshment options and organisers appreciate the support of Prom Meats – a supplier of meat and provider of cool room facilities for the event.

“There are many people, business and organisations to thank including the Leongatha Lions Club, Pat Burns Excavations which brought sand in prior to the event and cleaned it up afterwards, the members of the Stony Creek Football Netball Club and the CFA members who attended to car parking,” Neil said.

The proceeds of the event will go towards upkeep and improvements to the Stony Creek Football Netball Club and a donation will be made to the CFA.

“Without our wonderful supporters and sponsors, this event would not be possible,” Neil said.

Organisers wish to thank Claas Harvest Centre, Dale Carruthers Concreting, Evans Petroleum, JJB Contracting, Windmill Ag, 3GG, Holcim Concrete/Quarris, Meeniyan Stockfeeds, Considine & Johnston, Browns Stockfeed, Duck Hutt, Lulu, Steve Martin Plumbing, Meeniyan Hotel, Brown Wigg, South Gippsland Dumpsters, Storr Transport, Stockdale & Leggo – Leongatha, The Great Southern Star, Island Marquees, Langdon Chiropractic Clinic, Williams Signs, HBB Victoria, Murray Goulburn Farm & Hardware and Landmark Leongatha.

The Stony Creek Rodeo is now firmly on the official Australian Professional Rodeo Association calendar, so mark the third Saturday of January 2014 in your diary.

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