Organisers were happy with the event, which saw a crowd of about 3000 attend, which was up on last year’s numbers.

They were particularly pleased with the 200 or so people who decided to swag overnight and stay for breakfast the next day after enjoying the evening bonfire and entertainment by Danny Hooper and the Rust Buckets.

The event is a major fundraiser for the local community, with non-profit groups running the food and drink stalls.

The program of seven main arena events offered plenty of prize money, with the major prizes going to winner of the open bull ride Stewart Frame, who took home $1700 and open saddle bronc winner Cameron Webster who collected $770.

The open bareback event was tied between Matthew Makeineon and Fred Osmond. Senior barrel race: Jodie Bachelor; team roping: Terry Evison with Aaron Bookluck; 2nd division bull ride: Ben Browne; 2nd division saddle bronc: Andrew Turveys; steer wrestling: Ryan Suirsberry; junior barrel race: Tammy Woodall; junior steer ride: Toby Collins; girls breakaway roping: Jessica Layton.

The next Marrabel event will be the Bull Ride on February 27. Funds raised from the Rodeo support the St John Ambulance service, Saddleworth Museum and other community organisations.