Horsemen: Cowboys waiting to compete at the Echuca Pro Rodeo on Friday night.
Rotary Park was the site for the return of the Echuca Pro Rodeo on Friday, much to the delight of fans and competitors alike.
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It was the first time the event had been staged in town for many years, hundreds of people flocking to the multi-purpose park to watch the action.
The Australian Professional Rodeo Association event saw cowboys and cowgirls compete in saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and team roping.
Local cowboy Peter Davenport has been competing in rodeo for three years.
He grew up in Gippsland before moving to Echuca, saying that he loves the town.
“It’s a great atmosphere, great people around here,” Davenport said.
“I love this town, I honestly do. It’s a good place to be.”
Davenport said it was great to have a rodeo in Echuca, and he hoped it becames a regular event in town.
“It’s awesome, we need more of it,” he said.
“It’s a really good central place for cowboys and cowgirls to be in.
“I think rodeo is part and parcel with the town that is Echuca.
There are a lot of cowboys around here, a lot of farming, a lot of agriculture and I think it’s important for this town.
“We’ve got some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the country all here in one town.”
Cowgirl Shianna O’Donoghue started rodeo when she was five and has travelled across the country competing.
She said it was fantastic to finally have a rodeo event back in Echuca.
“I think it’s great,” O’Donoghue said.
“It’s definitely needed in this town, I think it’s been calling for it.
“It’s a really good event to bring people together, there are a lot of really good cowboys and cowgirls and a lot of good horse people around this area, so I think it’s good to showcase that.
“You can tell by the amount of people that have shown up that it’s been a hit.
“The crowd has been great, they have been very, very enthusiastic, which makes our job a lot more fun.
“There are heaps of people here and it just makes the atmosphere so much more vibrant.”
Davenport said he hoped the rodeo would return to Echuca again next year and he had a simple message for those thinking about attending.
“Come and enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy the rodeo,” he said.
“Enjoy being a part of it and enjoy the show and enjoy the cowboys and cowgirls who work very hard to showcase their skills to everyone in Echuca.”
Crowd: Spectators watch the action at the Echuca Pro Rodeo.
Watching on: Britney Oliver and Adriana Ozimek enjoying the music and the action at the Echuca Pro Rodeo.
Spectators: Ella and Sam Betts at the Echuca Pro Rodeo on Friday night.
Cowgirls: Jarah Bayliss and Laura Dobson having a good time at the Echuca Pro Rodeo.
Yee-haw: Zach Hamilton, Dave Pitson, Jenny Bolitho and Brendan King at the Echuca Pro Rodeo on Friday night.
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