It’s always a major event for the town and district and this year’s Long Weekend Rodeo & Campdraft is also a milestone event that could break records.

With 70 years of making the magic happen, local organisers are taking it up a few more notches in 2025 and planning for a massive crowd.

“The main arena has been given a facelift, with the fences painted matt black for better viewing,” President Kris Parsons said.

“We’re installing an additional grandstand for extra seating on the northern side and there’s a few more light poles for the food vendors and their customers.”

Even with the caravan park overflow opened into Smith Park, all but one powered site and a handful of unpowered campsites there are booked.

It’s the same story at local hotels, motels and B&Bs, with barely a bed to spare.

Fortunately, the campground created by Coonamble Shire Council across from the rodeo ground is spacious, although tickets there are selling fast.

“Ticket sales are going gangbusters on 123tix,” said Rodeo Association Secretary Steven Butler.

“Last year was the biggest rodeo in history and we’re anticipating this one being even bigger based on ticket sales so far.

“All tickets, including entry and camping, are available on 123tix, and you can get them at the gate throughout the event.”

The Coonamble rodeo ground has seen a lot of action over the past 70 years. [IMAGE: Neville Owen]

With a huge crowd expected, the in-arena offering and the external entertainment has also been ramped up.

“We’ve got a young Coonamble connection, Layla White, singing the National Anthem over the weekend,” Mr Butler said.

“Earlier in the year we called for expressions of interest from community groups for donations.

“We had a great response and the presentation will be on Sunday in the main arena between 1 and 2pm.”

A big investment has been made in post-rodeo entertainment.

“On Saturday night Balls n All from Cobar will be performing on the mobile stage in the arena,” he said.

“Then on Sunday night Red Neck Gentlemen will be singing in the Pavilion.”

As well as the traditional favourite food stalls, the committee aimed to introduce a new offering.

After calls for expressions of interest from local caterers failed to yield, thanks to a shortage of workers over the weekend, Narromine’s Saltbush Lamb will be on site with delicious options, including gluten free versions.

On Saturday and Sunday nights, the committee will run the first Len Scott Rodeo Memorial Shootout events.

Saturday night will see the top six qualifiers from the day in a Saddle Bronc shootout.

Then on Sunday night, the top six Open Bullriders will fight it out for a winner-take-all purse.

“Tessa Pennell from Stitches & Things” has donated all the shirts for all the riders in those two events,” Mr Butler said.

“We’re really pleased to be able to celebrate the decades of commitment from Lenny Scott.”

Excitement is also building for non-stop action down in the Campdraft end of the grounds.

With over 1800 nominations from would-be competitors, organisers were forced to reduce the acceptances to roughly 1200 to fit within the daylight hours from Friday and Monday.

Behind the scenes, the work has continued by volunteers, contractors and council staff.

“We’ve been doing repairs on the backyards and arena at the rodeo end,” said Mr Parsons.

“The campdraft arena has been scarified and is ready to roll.

“The cattle are all sorted for the draft, thanks to our generous donors and the tireless work of the campdraft committee.

“It’s one of those events that can’t happen without all our sponsors and supporters, be they major or minor.

“Just like the local volunteers and committee, no matter how big or small your contribution it’s all important.

“It all goes together to make the rodeo and campdraft happen.”