The 44th annual Te Anau rodeo is on Friday 30th December starting at 1.30 pm at the rodeo grounds on Lakefront Drive adjacent to Lake Te Anau.
Main access is drive in past the Te Anau boat harbour follow the gravel road to the reserve paddock beside the rodeo arena where there is plenty of parking available. Then it is a short walk to the only public pedestrian entrance gate situated behind the embankment.
Disabled parking is available just let the parking people know and they will guide you on where to park.
218 entries have been received across all events, which is quite an increase on last year with good numbers in most events so it should make for some thrilling competition across the whole day.
For the first time we are running a 2ND Division Rope & Tie which has attracted 14 entries this will make for some even competition and means the Open division event will see even keener competition with 7 top cowboys entered including the 2010 / 11 roping Champion Anthony Perkins.
Other 2010 / 11 national champions competing are Angie Perkins Barrel racing, Bert Elstob Team roping, Paul Robinson Saddle bronc and Bull riding champion Adam Jamieson.
Entries in the Youth Steer Ride and Junior Barrel race events reflect the growing popularity of rodeo with a record 18 entries received in the barrel race event.
7 have entered the Junior Steer Ride and we will be able accept another 5 entries for this event, competitors must be 15 or under to compete. Entries taken on the day or can be made earlier to the secretary Peter Dolamore phone 032499215.
The Children’s calf ride has a $5 entry fee with a $50 prize purse, to qualify competitors must weigh in at 40 kgs or under. The popular sheep ride is free for the younger competitors, enter on the day for both events.
Children’s activities should help keep them amused during the day, plus stall holders will be selling western gear, jewellery and artwork.
DB are continuing with their support of rodeo in New Zealand so again this year there will a licensed bar with a good variety of cold DB products on sale at reasonable cost. A limited range of wine and spirits will also be available.
No BYO is permitted which from last years rodeo made for a really good family atmosphere without any hassles or reports of trouble.
Timely to acknowledge and thank our sponsors who along with the Lion Foundation and the Southern Trust assist us to keep the Te Anau rodeo running. To the people who help out with the rodeo and the spectators who enjoy the day out thank you for your continuing support.
Admission $15.00 Adults $5 Children (under 12)
Family Concession $30 (2 Adults & 2 Children) Programs $2
Keep your program with a lucky number printed on it and be in the draw for the chance to win a helicopter flight courtesy of Southern Lakes Helicopters.
Other draws are for a meal voucher courtesy of Distinction Luxmore Hotel to dine in Bailiez Restaurant and a meal voucher courtesy of The Olive Tree Café.
See Fiordland Stay Te Anau.
