Bull riding will take centre stage in Cockatoo again this weekend with the rodeo back in town.
By Tania Martin
HILLS residents can enjoy some swashbuckling fun on Saturday as the Cockatoo Rodeo rides back into town.
This year will mark the return of the full event after horses where banned in 2008 because of the risks associated with equine influenza.
The 23rd annual Cockatoo Rodeo promises to be bigger and better than ever.
With the return of the horses, the rodeo will feature a full range of events including the open bull ride, second division bull ride, open saddle bronc, bare back bronc, team roping, steer wrestling, steer roping, junior bull rides and junior barrel racing.Food and clothing stalls and a range of amusement rides will also keep the kids entertained.
Punters are warned there is a strictly no BYO alcohol policy at the event and bags will be searched at the gate.
Those wishing to consume alcohol during the event will have to buy it from one of the licensed stalls.
Free bus services from Emerald, Cockatoo and Avonsleigh will be available again this year from 3pm until 1am.
Entry to the rodeo costs $40 for families, $20 for adults and $10 for children under 16 years.
Locals will also be asked to make a gold coin donation to the bushfire relief fun.The majority of takings from the rodeo will go towards the Macclesfield Pony Club and the Emerald Football Club.
All the action will start at 6pm on Saturday 14 March but doors open at 3pm for those who want to get to the ground early. The rodeo is held on the corner of Avon and Woori Yallock roads in Cockatoo.
