Dust, competitors and livestock will fly when the 2024 Laura Rodeo and Campdraft begins on Thursday. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Increased prizemoney and a chance to win silverware bearing the names of two of the region’s most beloved characters will have every cowboy and cowgirl in Far North Queensland making a beeline for Laura this week.
The 2024 Laura Rodeo and Campdraft will kick off at midday on 27 June, with a $3,000 maiden draft set to put some of Cape York’s best local and visiting riders and horses head to head in the arena.
There will be plenty of prizemoney on offer in the $2,000 novice draft, $1,500 open saddle bronc and $2,000 open bull ride as well, and Laura Rodeo and Campdraft Association spokesperson Karlene Shephard said the format of the event meant competitors would be chasing more than money.
“We’ve put the prizemoney up this year, but being an [Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association] event, the competitors are going to be chasing points as well to go towards the zone and national finals,” she said.
“The nominations are up in the campdraft, which shows that event is starting to get bigger each year.”
From bull rides to team roping to steer wrestling, the four-day event will have something for every rodeo fan, including the $1,500 bushman’s bronc ride on 29 June.
“They have to ride with a bushman’s stock saddle, so that’s always a really good draw,” Ms Shephard said.
“It’s just a family-friendly weekend and a good bush show.”
When the dust settles on Sunday, two competitors will walk away with the most coveted prizes on offer – the Kevin Darmody Memorial All-Round Cowboy and Shelley Shephard Memorial All-Round Cowgirl trophies.
Barrel racing will be popular with both senior and junior campdraft competitors in Laura this weekend. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
