Carnival lights up the streets

Previous street carnival entrants get into the colourful spirit as they march down Palmerin Street.

THIS year’s rodeo street carnival, a long-standing Warwick tradition, will be brimming with exciting revamped events and a classic carnival atmosphere.
Carnival organisers Warwick Tourism and Events hope to provide an evening to remember for families with children of all ages, that won’t break the bank.
Warwick Tourism and Events CEO Tracy Vellacott said carnival-goers will notice the line-up of activities and entertainment is slightly different to previous years.
“We’ve decided to give the street carnival a little make-over this year as we bring in something new to keep children of all ages entertained,” Ms Vellacott said.
“The intention is to take the mardi-gras back to authentic country activities, reconnecting locals and visitors with the romance of Australian rodeo and campdraft, as well as providing families with a freefamily-friendly event.”
“Don’t miss the outdoor cinema of rodeo footage, roping opportunities with the Rodeo Heritage Centre’s roping steer, as well as a new children’s rodeo clown dress-up competition,” she said.
“All rough riding rodeo clowns are encouraged to register in front of the Town Hall for free at 5.45pm, in time for judging at 6pm,” Ms Vellacott said.
Ms Vellacott was full of praise for members of the Warwick Men’s Shed, who have been hard at workmaking a ‘cowboy’ photo board capturing all the fun of the festival, as well as a bucking bull and pony for children to have their picture taken on.
She encouraged photograph sharing on Warwick Tourism and Event’s Facebook and Instagram pages (#SavourWarwick #WarwickRodeo).
For rodeo enthusiasts keen to know how they would handle eight seconds on a more life-like high-flying bull, the mechanical bull will be wired up for action and this year, a milking cow will offer more hilarious fun.
The entertaining and much-loved Buchner Cup celebrity horse race will also get a face lift and take a more prominent position in the program.
“The main street will be transformed into a classic racecourse with heats starting at 6.45pm, immediately followed by a grand final,” she said.
Ms Vellacott said all the favourite attractions patrons know and love will still be part of the Friday night carnival.
“Although we are adding to the line-up this year, there will still be a chance to snap up some show bags, go on a ride that gets the adrenaline pumping and, of course, indulge in some carnival food,” she said.
The Rose and Rodeo street carnival commences at 6pm on Friday 24 October, in Palmerin Street.