By ALANA MITCHELSON
THE Lang Lang Rodeo has in its 72nd year been nationally recognised as one of Australia’s longest-running rodeo events.
Committee members will fly to Warwick, Queensland, in October for Lang Lang’s induction into the Australian Professional Rodeo Assocation Hall of Fame, co-inciding with the national finals.
Lang Lang Rodeo secretary Cheryl Berry said the annoucement was the highlight of the day.
“Warwick is the home of rodeo in Australia so I’m really looking forward to it,” Ms Berry said.
“I’m also excited to watching some rodeo without having to be working. It will be a nice change.
“The atmosphere at Lang Lang is electric. My sister came down to watch this year and she didn’t know what to expect because she’d never seen rodeo before. She said it was just thrilling.”
Ms Berry estimated a crowd of 3500 this year in comparison to crowds of about 3000 in previous years.
The day featured bareback riding, steer roping, steer riding, barrel races and the much anticipated bull ride finale.
The junior under-18 steer ride was a new addition to the day’s events this year, with 16-year-old Thomas Mulloy overcoming the competition.
Ms Berry said Easter Monday was the “biggest day of the year for local businesses”.
“In previous years, we haven’t noticed a difference so much, but we had a fantastic year,” Palace Hotel Lang Lang manager Sarah Bennett said.
“The event’s getting bigger and bigger every year and is attracting a lot of interest from surrounding towns, not only locals.
“Everyone couldn’t stop talking about it.”
