Carrieton Rodeo ready to rock

Notching up its 67th year, the Carrieton Rodeo remains an incredibly important event for the local community - in more ways than one.

Run entirely by volunteers - some of them the third generation to lend a hand - the annual event benefits a number of regular charities and special community projects.

In the past three years, as well as supporting the Rural Flying Doctor Service and the Orroroo Hospital, rodeo funds have also helped renovate the Carrieton Community Store and upgrade facilities at the local caravan park.

Carrieton Rodeo Club president Daniel Williams said everyone in the local community was involved with the event in one way or another.

"From running the bar, to taking care of the horses, to cutting up onions for the steak sandwiches - the club is not only a source of much needed funding it is also a vital social outlet for a small community," he said.

Related reading: Iconic Carrieton Rodeo earns royal recognition

Mr Williams said while the impacts of drought had impacted the community in recent years, locals continued to rally together to make the rodeo happen, despite their time constraints.

"It also allows us to show off our wonderful town to a large audience and give the local people something to be proud of - we tell people we are from Carrieton, where the rodeo is held," he said.

"The Carrieton Rodeo is also an important social event in an area where they are few and far between.

"It brings previous residents back to the town for a much-needed catch-up and gives us a chance to let down our hair, once the work is done."

This year, the Stockman's Buckjump is expected to attract would-be cowboys from the crowd, with limited entries available on the day to ride in the stock-saddle event.

Last year's saddle bronc champ Michael Keogh will be backing up his title, while Peter Morgan and homegrown hero Matt Tapscott will also be competing.

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