Run as a sub committee of the Clare Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society committee, the rodeo’s proceeds will, in the first instance, assist in the building of the scout hall at the showgrounds.

The scout hall will incorporate the secretary’s office and will be available for all community groups to hire.

Clare community groups will also be involved with catering for the night to raise funds for their individual organisations.

“It will help a variety of community groups and hopefully it’s a new popular event for the community,” Clare A&H Rodeo committee member Maggie Longbottom said.

The rodeo, which will host riders from throughout Australia, is affiliated with the Australian Professional Rodeo Association and will count toward championship points.

The rodeo will be a twilight event starting at 5.30pm (with “slack” at 3pm to cater for the overflow of riders from the main program) and will include a full program of events for junior and open riders, there will be day memberships available for non APRA members.

A local barrel race and local steer ride will add an extra element of entertainment to the event, along with an interactive static ute muster.

The committee is hoping for crowds of 2000 to 3000 people and knows of several groups coming from Adelaide.

Trade sites are available and those attending include clothing stalls, children’s entertainment and gourmet stalls.

“We are working with the police and the RSPCA have been invited to the event,” Maggie said.

“It’s not too late for people to be a sponsor and we would welcome any more,” fellow committee member Deb Sims said.

After the rodeo has finished, Clare singer/songwriter Danny Hooper and band will play until the early hours of the morning.

Free parking and camping will be available on the grounds and a recovery breakfast will be offered the next morning.

The committee includes members from the Clare A&H Show Society, student aged members and community people, who are all hoping for good weather and a great night for the whole community.

“Hopefully it will appeal to a wide variety of people,” Maggie said. “Have a good night and camp on site.”

The South Australian Barrel Horse Association will meet on the Sunday after the rodeo at the show grounds day memberships will be available.

To book a stall for the evening call Maggie on 0428 423 978 or Deb on 0427 434 220.