Road to Rodeo - a celebration of 100 years of Mount Isa
As the sun set across the rugged landscape, horses’ hooves kicked up dust amid blaring country music. Participants entered the arena to begin the Road to Rodeo, a celebration of 100 years and the cowboy lifestyle in North West Queensland.
The debut of Road to Rodeo in Mount Isa saw hundreds of visitors and locals converge on Buchannan Park Complex on Sunday, 7 May. The competitors battled it out in the famous open-air, red dirt arena over one-night of non-stop rodeo action, including live entertainment and food stalls. Competitions included saddle bronco, steer roping, steer wrestling, team roping and the ever favourite, championship bull riding.
The Road to Rodeo provided a loud and action-packed appetiser for locals and travellers, with Isa Rodeo organisers announcing the largest ever installation of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, which will take place over nine days from 5 August through to 13 August.
Mount Isa Mines flag was flying at the opening ceremony .
Darcy Harrison-Douglas competing for the win in the Open Bull Ride.
Mount Isa Mines Chief Operating Officer, Sam Strohmayr and Rodeo Ambassador Tony ‘Tonka’ Toholke with winner of the Open Bull Ride, Darcy Harrison-Douglas.
The Road to Rodeo Opening ceremony did not disappoint.
Road to Rodeo in Mount Isa saw hundreds of visitors and locals converge of the infamous Buchannan Park Complex.
Spectators of all ages enjoyed the Road to Rodeo event.
For over 60 years, Mount Isa Mines have supported the production of rodeos within the Mount Isa township. In 1959, a group of people with passion and an intrinsic sense of potential formed the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Inc (MIRRI). Their vision was to put the new, remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for charity organisations in the new city. Through 64 years of whip-cracking vision and dedication, the event has evolved into legendary status.
Results from the Road to Rodeo Sunday finals were dominated by Cloncurry locals, with cowboy Darcy Harrison-Douglas winning in the Open Bull Ride, Tatum Kersh taking out the Breakaway Roping, Kylee Ferguson winning the Open Barrel Race, Jarrod Hall conquering the Division two Saddle Bronc and Cade Ferguson who won both the Junior Steer and the Junior Barrel Race.
The Sunday celebrations were capped off with live performances from Australian music icon and Cold Chisel member Ian Moss, Mount Isa favourite Luke Geiger, as well as a headlining set from the legendary Shannon Noll.
Congratulations to all competitors, what a night to remember!