RIDE EM COWBOY: Te Orumen Te Wara at the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 261214BF10
RIDE EM COWBOY: Te Orumen Te Wara at the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 261214BF10
It's been 14 years since Charlotte Mogg headed along to the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo - and this year she was again drawn back as the event celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The Rerewhakaaitu local went with her family and friends to the event, drawn in by the thrill of watching the bullriders.
261214bf7 Rerewhaakaitu Rodeo. Charotte Mogg and Emily Mogg, 5, 26 December 2014 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser
Mrs Mogg said it was one of the better rodeos she'd been too.
Image 1 of 11: 261214bf12 Rerewhaakaitu Rodeo. Tui Teka 26 December 2014 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser
She said her two children, 5-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Tom had loved the action - with Tom wearing his cowboy hat all day and amped to take part in the event next year.
"He just loves the rodeo."
Mrs Mogg said the highlight was the open bulls section, but she loved the way the event was a good, family fun day out.
"It's family entertainment. All the kids love it."
This year's rodeo attracted national and international competitors, with those taking part ranging from 5-year-old beginners to seasoned cowboys in their 60s.
As well as the top cowboys, there was also top stock on display such as the premier Parklee bucking bulls and "exceptional" bucking horses taking the centre stage.
The Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo was the first one on the calendar. The Taupo event will take place on December 29, with other events in Opotiki, Warkworth, Kaitaia and Whangarei.
