Record crowds flock to Pannawonica for the 25th annual Robe River Rodeo and Campdraft

Record crowds flocked to the Pilbara’s biggest rodeo at the weekend. The 25th annual Robe River Rodeo and Campdraft drew nearly 4000 spectators over three days in a major boost for the mining town of Pannawonica. In the main event on Saturday, riders showed off their skills in barrel races, bareback broncs, bull rides and buck jumps, before the crowd partied to music by Renegade on Saturday night. Among the winners were Quinton Kammann, who won the bull ride; Brock Harris, who placed first in the saddle bronc competition; and Hunta Gallacher, who was judged all-round cowgirl. Robe River Rodeo and Campdraft president James Kelly said the event brought the community together. “We’ve had record numbers for the campdraft and for the rodeo; I think there was 547 runs in the campdraft and about 130 for the rodeo, so it’s the most we’ve ever had,” he said. “We’re pretty excited to have it this year after having postponed it last year due to COVID-19. “Every year we try and make it bigger and better, and whatever money we make from the event, we put back into the arena and the grounds.” Robe River Rodeo and Campdraft committee member Fiona Weaver said the crowd was the biggest on record. “We just really wanted to entertain the spectators with some bull rides, lots of roping and lots of barrel racing,” she said.