Family rodeo

By Tania Martin
THOUSANDS are set to return to the hills on the weekend for the popular Cockatoo Rodeo.
The night will be packed with family fun from amusement rides to a professional clown show.
But the main event will remain the rodeo, which is expected to surpass last year’s 4000-strong crowd.
The event will be held on Saturday on the corner of Avon and Woori Yallock roads, Cockatoo.
Gates open at 3pm but the rodeo events will not kick-off until 6pm but there will be plenty to keep patrons entertained all night.
A bus service will be operating again this year from the Emerald, Avonsleigh and Cockatoo areas from 3pm to 1am.
Organiser Neil Robinson said this year the event would take on a more family-friendly role.
Mr Robinson it would provide more entertainment than just the rodeo.
“We are getting a professional clown in who will be there all night with his little car,” he said.
“We will also have miniature bucking pony events…we want to encourage more people to come down and have fun.”
Mr Robinson said there would also be better security than in recent years to prevent any drinking in the car park of the venue.
The popular bucking bull ride will again be a staple attraction at the rodeo along with plenty of other exciting activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Local act, the Blackhill Ramblers’ will entertain all night with their unique blend of country, honky tonk and some good old fashioned rock ’n’ roll.
Tickets cost $50 for families, $25 for adults and $15 for under 16s and concession cardholders.