Rodney Stevens
Excitement is building for what is hoped to be the biggest ever annual Maclean twilight rodeo with over $24,000 in prizemoney on offer in the 2022 Bruce Green Memorial Rodeo.
Lawrence Rodeo Committee President Shane Want said the committee was determined to make up for lost time after Covid prevented the event from being held over the past two years.
Mr Want said this year’s event is in memorial of former Lawrence Rodeo Committee President Bruce Green, who was killed in a tragic rodeo event in January 2021.
“Bruce was a stalwart of the Lawrence Rodeo and involved in lots of things in the community, so the committee wanted to pay tribute to him by naming this year’s rodeo after him,” he said.
“He had been there since day one of the rodeos and contributed so much to the events over the years.
“The competitors all knew Bruce from the rodeo circuit, and many have entered the event to pay tribute to him.”
Mr Green, 62, was working as a yardman at the Australian Bushmen’s Campcraft and Rodeo Association ABCRA Rodeo Roundup at Tamworth when a bull charged at him in a yard, he was critically injured and died in hospital.
With over $24,000 in prizemoney on offer, Mr Want said they had already received more than 200 entries for the rodeo, from competitors far and wide.
He said the Bruce Green Memorial Rodeo will be held at its traditional home, Maclean Showground on Friday December 30.
“The main event of the rodeo is the Bruce Green Open Bull ride which has $8000 prizemoney for the winner, and they will also take home a magnificent Bruce Green Memorial belt buckle, valued at about $1000 which was donated by the ABCRA,” he said.
“Then the top eight riders will compete in the winner takes all Wants Construction Chute Out to take home another $2000.”
Every year, Mr Want said the rodeo has raised more than $20,000 which is donated to local community groups and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
“It’s a great community event with many local clubs coming together to support it, running stalls and helping the event run smoothly,” he said.
“Last time we gave back about $30,000 to local community groups, sporting clubs, schools and the Westpac helicopter.
Events kick off at 11am, Mr Want said, with the main open bull ride not starting until about 6pm.
“It will be a great day out for families, we’ll have the mechanical bull and jumping castle for the kids, while the events are held in the main show ring,” he said.
“We have got the big screen coming again from BSA so the crowd can watch the replays and look at things in slow-mo. on and up close on the big screen.
“Lawrence Rodeo committee are running the food so we will have a variety available from hot chips, chicken burgers, BBQ and other snacks.”
The rodeo wouldn’t be possible without the help of its generous major sponsors, Mr Want said, XXXX Gold, Lawrence Tavern, Maclean Mitre 10 and Wants Constructions.
“We also couldn’t hold the event without the generosity of a whole list of other sponsors who help us put it on and donate products.”
Tickets are available at the gate for $25 for adults and $15 for children under 16 and pensioners, or $55 for a family.
Car parking is free and there is no BYO alcohol allowed.