Steve Wollaston reckons he has the solution to the issues around the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Mardi Gras.
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The rodeo copped criticism recently when it cancelled the Friday night Mardi Gras and although Mount Isa City Council later included it in its Wednesday night street party schedule, many parents are unhappy because it is a school night.
However Mr Wollaston, the former Rodeo committee member and Mardi Gras organiser for many years, says a solution is possible that satisfies everyone though it would mean changes to the schedule of the Mount Isa Show in June as well as the Rodeo Mailman Express races currently on the Thursday of Rodeo week.
Mr Wollaston said the Show currently runs on a Friday and Saturday with Friday declared a Show Day holiday.
The Show would give up the public holiday and give it to the Rodeo so the Friday of Rodeo Week becomes a public holiday.
- Steve Wollaston
“Many people head off to Karumba but I can’t see any reason why the Show shouldn’t run on Saturday and Sunday, it’s still a two day show and you run the PBR on the Friday and Saturday nights which gives you an extra night’s gate money,” Mr Wollaston said.
“In return the Show would give up the public holiday and give it to the Rodeo so the Friday of Rodeo Week becomes a public holiday.”
Mr Wollaston said next year was the 60th anniversary of the Rodeo.
“Why not consult with the race club to hold the race meeting on the Wednesday with the Mailman that night,” he said. “Then on the Thursday you have the street party in conjunction with a form of Mardi Gras.”
Mr Wollaston said that would be followed by the public holiday on the Friday so children and parents could have a late night out on Thursday without worrying about school the next day.
“You can then start the Rodeo on the public holiday Friday,” he said.
Mr Wollaston said when he was on the Rodeo committee they wanted to turn the Rodeo into a week long event. “We had a meeting with the race club and said why don’t we have a race where horses race against each in a sprint and that began the Mailman Express named for Wally Mailman,” he said.