Twilight rodeo to thrill
After attracting an estimated 1000 people last year, the Neerim Rodeo will return on Saturday.
The championship rodeo will be sure to thrill at the Neerim Recreation Reserve. Other entertainment on offer will include helicopter joy flights, a bucking bull and children’s rides. There is strictly no BYO alcohol, with a wet tent offered on site.
The rodeo is organised by the Neerim District Country Show committee with president Frank Schellekens estimating a crowd of more than 1000 people attended the inaugural event.
“It was a new experience and the community got behind it,” said Mr Schellekens. “It’s a work in progress.”
A slightly later start time will feature in 2018, with gates opening at 4pm ahead of the rodeo action getting underway at 6pm.
Mr Schellekens said the change to a twilight rodeo would help avoid the hottest part of the day and followed lighting checks last year.
“It’s for the comfort of patrons and welfare of the animals.”
The sand surface will remain after proving a winner last year.
“We don’t have the issues with dust and mud,” said Mr Schellekens. “It’s a big advantage running on the surface we have.”
He added that the Neerim-Neerim South Football and Netball Club had come on board to help the show committee run the rodeo this year after noting its potential.
“We didn’t approach them, they approached us. It’s good when the whole community gets behind any event and work together.”