Calliope Rodeo to make its glorious return after Covid-19 cancelled the event last year

Are you ready for two days of non-stop, high octane rodeo action right here in the Gladstone region?

Bill Harding, Holly Elphinstone, Beau Elphinstone and Chloe Kelvett at the Calliope Rodeo 2019

Saddle up for two nights of heart pumping, high octane bull riding action right here in the Gladstone region.

Calliope Rodeo will make its triumphant return to the local rodeo grounds after Covid-19 cancelled the event last year.

Scheduled to kick off on September 24, Calliope Rodeo Public Relations Officer Debbie Parr said the committee was very excited the event could go ahead this year.

“We are fortunate we have two rodeos every year, one on the Australia Day weekend and one in September,” she said.

“Because we were one of the first events in 2021, the Australia Day rodeo was beyond our expectations.

“We had a bit of a preview of what to expect in September, because September is our big rodeo.”

Ms Parr said Friday night’s competition encouraged locals to participate in the events.

“The Saturday is the come one, come all competition where the best of the best battle it out,” he said.

“One of our homegrown talents Macaulie Leather is ranked second in Australia on the Professional Bull Riders circuit, so we’ve got local talent which is right up there.”

Ms Parr said age was no barrier for potential Calliope Rodeo participants, with entries open for events which cater to children from two years old to an opens competition.

“Nominations are normally made through the National Rodeo Association and all the information for when you can register will be available on our Facebook page,” she said.

Ms Parr said for those content with letting others do the hard work, hot food, cold beer and live entertainment was on offer.

“There are always lots of different varieties of food and drink, we would love to partner with local vendors so please reach out to us,” she said.

“The entertainment for Friday night includes Chris Bax and his band and then on Saturday we have Luke Geiger and Bareback, who were a great success at the Australia Day Rodeo.”

For more information, visit the Calliope Rodeo & Specialty Events Facebook page.