Renowned American rodeo clown Clifton “Hollywood” Harris will be sharing his skills and some laughs at next week’s Isa Rodeo School.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Known as “The School of Hard Knocks”, the Isa Rodeo School’s classroom is the famous red dirt arena of Mount Isa’s Buchanan Park, while its teachers are renowned in rodeo for their skills and experience, which they are only to happy to share with young cowboys and cowgirls.
The school will buck underway on Thursday, August 10 on the eve of the biggest and richest rodeo in the southern hemisphere being held Friday to Sunday, August 11 to 13.
Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo Manager Natalie Flecker said this year’s Isa Rodeo School would feature its first rodeo clown class.
“It is an amazing opportunity for people interested in rodeo clowning to learn skills and techniques from a professional like Hollywood Harris,” Ms Flecker said.
“After the school, he will be performing in the arena over the three days of the Isa Rodeo so our crowds are in for a comedy treat this year, thanks to Ashdown Ingram for their support in bringing Hollywood to Mount Isa.”
Clifton Harris said he was excited to make his first visit to Australia, following in the footsteps of his son Brinson James, who is a star rodeo clown on the Australian Professional Bullriding scene.
“My son grew up on the American rodeo circuit starting at the age of two,” Harris said.
“He made it to Australia when he was 17 for the PBR and became a huge hit. He forwarded my name to the Mount Isa Rodeo committee and the rest is history.”
Mr Harris said he would be performing comedy as his alter ego, “Hollywood Harris”, as opposed to the bull fighting skills of a rodeo protection athlete.
At the School, he will cover the history and development of rodeo clowning, how to work with bull riding, makeup, costumes, physical comedy, technical equipment, jokes and skits. Cost is $250 for the day including insurance and lunch.
Ms Flecker said long-time former Australian Professional Rodeo Association General Manager and the Isa Rodeo Arena Director, Steve Hilton, a former Australian rodeo champion, would help run the one-day school.