By Emily-Rose Toohey
*NOTE: This article appeared in the 12 May edition of Warwick Today & Stanthorpe Today, and the bull ride has since been cancelled due to flooding.
After months of waiting due to Allora Show’s postponement, the Black Toyota Bull Ride is finally happening on Friday 20 May.
Allora Show Society vice-president Hugh Huston said it is usually traditional that the event happens on the Friday night of the show.
“The show society is certainly excited that it’s now happening,” Hugh said.
“It’s one of our main events and we get to try out our new professional rodeo lighting in the arena.”
The government provided $340,495 in funding under the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program towards the construction of a new arena and shed, which was completed in January.
The official opening was last Thursday and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the project will benefit both the show society and the wider community.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to important events, which are the lifeblood of many smaller rural communities and means more local employment,” Mr Littleproud said.
Furthermore, Hugh said that for a very small band of volunteers that make up Allora Show Society, these new facilities mean everything.
“It has and it will put the showgrounds right on the map,” he said.
“All work was completed by local tradesmen, and it was a tremendous boost to our local economy, which has been impacted by bushfires, drought and Covid-19 restrictions.
“It also means so much to the community, especially when used for events and markets and concerts – I think it’ll be invaluable.”
Moreover, Hugh said events like showjumping have already taken place in the new arena, but the bull ride might be the biggest event to occur there yet.
“We’re also excited to welcome back Frank Biddle to the Bull Ride,” he said.
“To have him back will be fantastic – he’s a local fellow and is pretty excited to get back to Allora.”
The Bull Ride next Friday night is $15 to enter, but children under 16 years old are free.
Alongside the main Bull Ride on the night, there will be the Under 15 Mini Bull Ride, Novice Bull Ride, Under 12 Mini Bull Ride, and the Under 18 Junior Bull Ride.
For spectators, a firework display, music, a canteen and bar will also be available – all at the Allora Showgrounds from 6.00pm.
