General News
31 July, 2024
The rodeo's rodeo: Why Cloncurry aims to be the best in the North West
The Curry Merry Muster Festival continues to grow in stature each year.
Cloncurry is bracing for big crowds as thousands are expected to flock to the country town for this weekend’s annual Merry Muster rodeo.
With the cost of living having an impact on North West families, the Ernest Henry Curry Merry Muster committee is hoping that its free entry will attract more patrons.
“It is our 70th anniversary and it is shaping up to be an excellent event; we have everything organised and we are expecting big crowds, both from surrounding communities and travellers,” said festival president Krystal McPhee.
“We opened up our caravan camping options this year and it has been very well received.
“We are getting between five and 10 calls a day asking about the on-site camping so I think we are going to see large numbers of caravans filling up the equestrian centre.
“I’m sure by now it’s a well-known fact that this event is a completely free entry, which means families can enjoy a day out without breaking the bank.”
The action begins tonight at the equestrian centre at the Cloncurry racecourse with roping events, but the event really heats up tomorrow.
There will be rodeo events all day at the equestrian centre before everyone moves into town for the Going For Gold street parade at 5.30pm, which will lead visitors to the recreation grounds, where the Xtreme Bulls and Brophy’s Boxing Tent will provide the night’s entertainment.
“It is a great way to enjoy maximum entertainment in the space of a few short hours,” Ms McPhee said.
“There is hot food, live music and giveaways available throughout the night so there is something for everyone.”
Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell said it would be another massive weekend for the shire, following the Quamby Rodeo and the recent Stockman’s Challenge.
“It’s one of the biggest rodeos in the country. Obviously Mount Isa has the right to claim the biggest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere but I think this is the best rodeo that visitors will ever go to,” he told North West Weekly.
“This is almost a rodeo’s rodeo.
“You’ve got the best stock and the best cowboys here to compete so the competition is on par with anything you would see in the country.”
Cr Campbell and his family have had a long association with the Merry Muster – his father was one of the event’s long-serving presidents.
In fact, the Mount Isa Rodeo was actually started with the help of the Merry Muster committee.
Not only did they lend them the horses for the first rodeo, they also made the long trek to the mining city for working bees.
“They wouldn’t have called it that then, but they helped mentor the Mount Isa Rodeo committee,” Cr Campbell said.
“It was well and truly a collaboration.”
The mayor said his favourite part of the Merry Muster was being close to the action.
“I think still the ideal rodeo is where you’re close enough to hear the hooves hit the ground,” he said.
“When a cowboy gets bucked off pretty hard you can hear the wind get pushed out of his lungs – you’re right there on top of the action.”
Ms McPhee said Saturday was also a big day for the Curry Merry Muster, with a Cowboys Breakfast at the equestrian centre, followed by a full day of rodeo events.
One of the highlights on the card is the Ken Coleman Chute Out for saddle bronc riders, with a calcutta to be held prior to the event.
“A lot of work goes into this event, and its all done by a small committee of 10 volunteers,” the president said.
“We pride ourselves on listening to our attendees and building this event to be the ideal family entertainment.
“We all love rodeo, and we have fond memories of when we were younger and attending events like this where you could hang out with your mates at a safe, local event and go away with a heap of stories, keen for next year.”
There will be free dodgem cars for the kids, giveaways in the merchandise tents and a novelty hour in the lunch break.
“The Merry Muster is a rodeo with some unique trimmings to ensure everyone has a great weekend and wants to come back in 2025,” Ms McPhee said.