You had an idea, did your homework, rallied around to get a few people to turn up for a meeting and worked and worked your but off for your dream to hold a rodeo in Grenfell and you did it. Plenty of ups and downs along the way but you worked through them. At that very first get together when you delivered your idea to hold a rodeo, there were skeptics and everyone thinking “Is this 17 year old kid for real?” 

Full credit to those in attendance - “Let's give this kid a go, if he thinks he can organise a Rodeo, we'll help him out” - Nev Condon, Wayne and Pam Hutson, Bill and Nat Hayes, Peter Lotherington, Phillip and Lorette Walmsley, Terry Carroll, Lisa Eastaway, and of course Nana – Bernadette Dykhoff. From there a date was set and the preparations began. More helpers and committee joined in along the way – Darryl Smithers, Nathan Hutson, Sharon Eppelstun, Di Liebick, Robyn Murphy and Sam Johnson. The day would have been possible if it was not for all these people along with the extensive list of sponsors.

With the Rodeo just 10 days away, Lleiton's biggest hurdle occurred, he received notification that the stock contractor was unable to fulfill his duties on the day. The concern arose that the Rodeo may  not go on after all, with 10 days to go and other Rodeo's on everywhere, it looked impossible to find a replacement at such short notice. However after a very stressful 24 hours and many phone calls, Lleiton secured the McPhee Rodeo Co from Lurg, Victoria, who provided a first class line up of bucking buul and broncs. Thanks boys for helping out at such short notice. The weather provided yet another hurdle with rain leading up to the event and the uncertainty of being able to get the local stock out of the mountains.  Local stock for the day was provided by Robert and Adrian Reeves and Bill Hayes of Eugowra. A huge thank you to Adrian, Robert and Bill  for transporting your stock to the rodeo. This allowed the up and coming cowboys and cowgirls to be able to participate in the days events with the steer and poddy calf rides, where we saw a good roll up of local entrants. Locals successful on the day were Brock Taylor who took out the main event, the Open Bull Ride, Dave Freebody came 1st in the Saddle Bronc, The Poddy Calf Ride 2nd was Hugh Wilson and 3rd Trent Beath-Pearce. Congratulations Boys. Lastly thank you to the crowd that showed up to support the rodeo and make it such a fantastic family afternoon.

Yours Faithfully

Martina Dykhoff

Grenfell Rodeo Committee