A highlight of South Otago’s summer calendar, the rodeo was originally slated for January 24 but the decision was made two days before the event to postpone, due to predicted heavy rain.
‘‘The weather was looking really terrible and in the end it was just pouring throughout the day,’’ Lawrence Rodeo secretary Olivia Montgomery said.
‘‘So for the animals and for the participants, it just was safer to postpone the event,’’
An initial backup date of February 21 proved unworkable due to a scheduling conflict with a Waikato rodeo and the Lawrence organisers noted the shift could reshape the lineup.
‘‘There will be some people that have to pull out, but others who couldn’t make the original date may be able to make it now ... Hopefully March means the sun will really be shining and that means more people will come.
‘‘The Lawrence Rodeo is pretty unique to a lot of other rodeos around New Zealand because we have the Southwest Shearing Undie Run, a water slide, pony rides and so much so much entertainment, not just for the adults, but for the kids, too.’’
Since 1985, the Lawrence Rodeo has drawn crowds with its blend of high-stakes action and family fun.
Last year’s event, under scorching sunshine, attracted about 1100 spectators to the Lawrence’s Wetherstons Rd gymkhana grounds where top-level competitors from all over the country and as far north as Kaitaia joined a massive turnout of local and South Island talent.
The event was a showcase power and agility in bronco riding, bull riding, rope and tie, steer wrestling and barrel racing.
‘‘It’s just that adrenaline rush,’’ Cromwell cowboy Ethan MacNamara said,
‘‘The ride’s over in a few seconds but the memory of a good ride and all the excitement building up to it before you go out — and being around all the other people who get it — lasts you forever.’’
