Buckin’ big: Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft kicks off epic 2021 comeback

From a massive action-packed rodeo and campdraft program to iconic Rose City events and famous musicians, this year’s Warwick Rodeo is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

The Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft has kicked off its epic 2021 comeback in what promises to be a huge week of sport and entertainment for the Rose City.

Back to its bucking best after being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, hundreds of competitors and even more spectators are set to pack out the Warwick Showgrounds for the massive affair.

The first two days of competition have seen the opening rounds of the Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft and Ascot Charolais and Angus Canning Downs Campdraft.

Renowned campdrafters Ben Hall and Coralie Daly came out on top in the first 200 competitors, with the remaining openers to be completed across Tuesday and Wednesday.

Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Campdraft chairman Kevin Ryan said there was plenty more action to come as the competition heats up throughout the week.

Wayne Bean competing in the Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft on Monday. Picture: Gerard Walsh

“The competition’s been very strong and the cattle that we’ve been using for the competition have been some of the best we’ve had here for years,” he said.

“We’re fortunate here we’ve got the best competitors in Queensland here – for example, we’ve got the Halls, the Durkins, and the O’Neils.

“All our competitors are the best we can get, they’re the best competitors in Queensland and they can hold their own anywhere in Australia.”

The arena is only set to get more action-packed with the Grand Entry Ariat Rodeo kicking off every night from Thursday to Saturday, which rodeo chairman Terry Keogh said was a welcome return to Warwick after two years’ absence.

“We’ve got good nominations in the bull ride and the bronc ride, and we’ve got some of the best bucking stock in Australia coming here this weekend,” he said.

Sam Randall from Scone (NSW) in saddle bronc action at the Warwick Rodeo.

“If you want to see some great bucking bulls and bucking broncs, this is the place to be. All we need’s a good crowd of people to come and watch.”

It’s set to be a massive competition with everything from barrel races to bull rides and broncs across men’s, ladies’, and children’s divisions.

The Warwick Rodeo has plenty of excitement in store outside the arena as well, including a stack of live entertainment and regular event favourites.

Famous country musician Adam Brand will take the stage along with fellow Aussie act Liam Brew on Friday night, followed by The Wolfe Brothers and Tony Q Band after the rodeo competition on Saturday night.

Iconic Rose City favourites including the Rodeo Street Parade and Warwick Potters’ Rodeo Markets are also back and bigger than ever this year.

The Warwick Rodeo Street Parade has proven to be one of the highlights of the week.

Dozens of vibrant floats will hit Palmerin Street from 9am Saturday in a brilliant display of colour and creativity from the town’s schools and businesses, all contributing to this year’s theme of ‘past, present, and future’.

The markets in Leslie Park will bring a huge variety of stallholders and food vendors from across the region from 8.30am - 1pm Saturday in another of the family favourite events of the rodeo.

Darling Downs Health will run a Pfizer vaccination clinic at Leslie Park for the duration of the markets.

Anyone keen to get the jab will need to take their Medicare card, ID, and a pen with them on the day.

NRL legend Shane Webcke will drop into the Warwick Rodeo this year. Photo: Warwick Daily News

Show and Rodeo Society marketing co-ordinator Teilah McKelvey said ticket sales were through the roof, particularly for Friday and Saturday, but there were still more available for those keen to get in on the action.

“It’ll be a tight competition in the campdrafting, so it’ll be interesting to see who’ll take it out this year, and it’s great to have the Warwick Rodeo back in its entirety,” she said.

“We’d really like to see everyone who’s here for the rodeo doing their shopping in town with local businesses, or here with our trade vendors as well.”

Entry to the Warwick Rodeo is free until Wednesday, and tickets for the rest of the event must be pre-purchased online. Click here to book.

All ticket holders must complete a Covid check-in at the gate, and anyone aged over 18 should bring ID.

Originally published as Buckin’ big: Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft kicks off epic 2021 comeback