Thanks to the many sponsors, enthusiastic competitors, brilliant organising and wonderful crowd attendance, the first Kojonup Community Rodeo in 12 years was a rip roaring success.
The weather even came to the party with just a shower of rain between the 'slack events' and the opening of the 'Main event'. It returned later in the evening but people were prepared and stayed for the blistering finale of Slingshot depositing his would be champion into the dirt after a couple of seconds of grim determination –
The day started with the slack events at 1.00pm all competitors working towards increasing their point scores.
The evening got underway at 5.00pm with the Grand Entry performed by the team of Elise Croft, Amber Bowtell, Shelby Bowtell, Tammy Kinney, followed by the NRCA WA Mini Princess Brianna Maxwell, NRCA WA Princess Hunta Gallacher and the NRCA WA Rodeo Queen Stacey Lambert.
The crowd was kept entertained with bull riding, breakaway roping, bareback broncs, and team roping all performed by dedicated rodeo enthusiasts.
After the intermission it was the locals turn with Mutton busting from the youngsters, some of whom showed considerable determination in staying on their woolly chargers.
The Local Steer Ride saw 3 oldies against 3 youngies with the oldies taking top honours and the oldest of them all, Jack Arnold, taking the Shield but both teams sharing the aches pains and bruises.
After the locals turn it was back to more rodeo action with Steer Wrestling, Steer undecorating, saddle bronc, open barrel racing and the open bull ride.
The evening concluded with the Slingshot Challenge – Stay on for 8 seconds, take home $2,000
The challenger came close, 6 more seconds and he would have had him.
It was then time for the raffle to be drawn, 2 Go Carts valued at nearly $900 each donated by Colin Campbell went to two excited ticket owners.
Then after the rodeo entertainment provided by the band riders indisguise; saw many kick on for a few more hours. Those electing to camp at the grounds enjoyed a breakfast bbq provided by the local Lions Club.
It is hoped the rodeo will become an annual event, so hopefully we will see you here next year.
We are now looking for sponsors for the 2012 Kojonup Rodeo. Please contact the webmaster
Results for the Kojonup Rodeo Belt Buckles and Shield
All round Cowgirl - Tammy Kinney. All round Cowboy - Laurence Oversby
Mutton Buster - Brendan Smith. 'young'ns versus old fellas' - Jack Arnold
Sponsors of the 2011 Kojonup Community Rodeo
Shire of Kojonup (Dry Season Event Funding), Countryman, Warren Blackwood Waste, Campbells Hi-way Sales, Tru-Blu Group, ReNew Shop, Kojonup Auto Electrics, Ron Wright Bulldozing & Grading, Kojonup Lions, Peel Web Designs, TR Homes, 124 Cafe, Pascoe Partners, J & N Thorn, CGS Engineers, CSBP Albany, Jury Shearing, Merinotech, Yarrak Pastoral Co., WA & VA Webb, Stocksmart Idavale Stud, Willow Springs Stud, Wild Hogget Racing, Kestonvale Angus Stud, Glenkeith Grazing Co., E & C Brown Shearing Service, Glencraobh, Beaufort River Meats, Kojonup Post Office, Dalton Broadacre Spraying Service, Tony Davis Contracting, Great Southern Solar, Kojonup Co-op, Kojonup IGA, Miotti Transport, ACF Wool Traders, Kojonup Visitors Centre, OilTech, Kojonup Tyrepower, EGABVA, Kojonup Bakery, Albany Weekender, Les Marriott, Albany Stockfeed, Karana Farms, Ray Ford Signs and BCM Embroidery.