We’ve passed the 80 days to go and are counting down to our big event in August.

It’s a great honour to work with a very dedicated team of Rotarians, our valued sponsors, and backed up by hundreds of volunteers who will work as a team to bring our massive event to life. 

While we live and breathe rodeo in the lead-up to the event, what has been really inspiring has been the commitment of our board, local government, tourism and business community to keep building on Mount Isa’s well deserved reputation as Australia’s rodeo capital.

With the council’s support, this year Mount Isa will introduce the “Isa Street Party” on the Wednesday night of rodeo week.

The street party will be held in the Mount Isa CBD on Rodeo Drive to welcome visitors to our city – and set the stage for a huge weekend of entertainment built around our world-class rodeo.

Growing up in Mount Isa, one of my favourite rodeo memories was always the Friday night Mardi Gras and it’s exciting that this year’s event will mark the 60th anniversary of the Mount Isa Theatrical Society (MITS).

We love the theme “It’s Showtime” and are looking forward to seeing how the local businesses, community organisations, schools and clubs embrace it. 

Applications are now open to register for the Mardi Gras. If you want to be involved in the north west’s biggest street party, now’s the time to start planning your float.

Please contact the Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo office on 4743 2706 for registration forms and more information. 

After the Mardi Gras parade this year and the opening ceremony in the arena, the entertainment will also include CMC star Mick Lindsay, Tania Kernaghan, Caitlyn Shadbolt and The Wolfe Brothers. And even better, this is all included in your Rodeo Pass.

CMC Country

Don’t forget our gold class (reserved) seating and general admission tickets, as well as our brand new behind the scenes chute and arena tours are all on sale online through our website (www.isarodeo.com.au). 

To keep up with all the latest news visit www.isarodeo.com.au, follow us on twitter.com/isarodeo or facebook.com/isarodeo

 – NATALIE FLECKER IS THE MOUNT ISA MINES ROTARY RODEO MANAGER