Buckles, belts and bulls are taking over Longreach this weekend for the first ever Road to Rodeo.
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Some of the best riders in the country are arriving in the outback and preparing to compete in the arena, while accommodation in the town is at capacity.
Also making the trip west are The Wolfe Brothers, newest winners of the Golden Guitar for Contemporary Album of the Year who will be performing live at Longreach at the Rodeo Rock concert on Saturday night.
Road to Rodeo Longreach features a full rodeo program (Bull Ride (Open, Over 40s, 2nd & Junior Division), Saddle Bronc -Open & 2nd Division - Bareback -Open & 2nd Division - Rope & Tie (Open), Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Race, Ladies Breakaway Roping and Mini Bull Rides).
Musicwise there is also Bella Mackenzie, Luke Geiger and Bareback and James Johnston as well as locals Corinne Ballard and John Hawkes.
There's food & wine, low 'n' slow BBQ by famed pitmasters The Shank Brothers, wine tastings at Brown Brother's Proseccos Paddock, markets and sideshow alley, competitor meet and greet sessions, cooking demonstrations, bush poetry by Scotty the Barefoot Poet, sheepdog demonstrations and more.
Longreach Showgrounds and Rodeo Arena is playing host to the event "Road to Rodeo - An Isa Rodeo Experience" which brings a taste of the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo experience.
The series aims to create four new annual rodeo events across Queensland by 2024, representing a long-term economic injection to the state of over $4 million.
The event will also welcome emerging rodeo stars, like Jacy (13) and Tyler (12) Morton, two local Longreach girls.and one of the youngest competitors in eight-year-old Byron Kirk from Mount Isa who in 2021 shared the poddy calf ride title at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
At the other end of the age spectrum 91-year-old rodeo legend, Bob Holder, who may possibly be the oldest rodeo rider in the world, has competed for 76 years and proudly has a place in the sport's Hall of Fame
Also confirmed to ride at Longreach is reigning Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Open Bareback Bronc Rider Fred Osman. He stepped out of retirement to compete last year, having won the title last in 2013.
Rounding out the trio of champions from the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo set to compete at Longreach is Sam Weston, who scored an 140 points in the Second Division Saddle Bronc competition last year to take the coveted buckle.
Tickets and accommodation at www.isarodeo.com.au
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo will be on August 11-14.
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