The iconic event held on September 16 and 17, which has run for more than four decades, transforms the tiny village of Stroud into a mecca of bullriding and campdraft. 

Organising committee member Annette Baldwin said more than 3000 spectators-almost five times the population of the town-and the 1000 competitors flood through the gates on the weekend.

Early indications look like the numbers were up on previous years.

“We have had great positive feedback from social media and spectators that were at the event,” Mrs Baldwin said.

Emma Malone and Aaron Handerson took out top ribbons in the campdraft while Troy Burtenshaw took out Open Bullride and Nichole Fitzpatrick claimed victory in the barrel race. 

The rodeo is a not-for-profit event and funds raised, after expenses, will be donated to the Hunter Medical Research Institute. 

Mrs Baldwin said stand-out performances were delivered by Ben Maytom and Brendon Crawley.

“[Maytom] is a local lad he competes in both campdraft and Saddle Bronc,” she said.

He won Open-for-Open in Campdraft and equal first for Open Saddle Bronc.

“Brendon Crawley from Gresford won three buckles in the main rodeo in novice bullride, novice bareback and Open bareback,” Mrs Baldwin said.

“Also our president Chris Melmeth was in the over 40’s bullride so shows how versatile our committee members are.”

Mrs Baldwin said the Stroud community was like a big family that pitched in to help the event succeed every year.

“There are different committees throughout the community and we band together to lend a hand or help organise events,” she said.

“We know we can rely on each other if we are running short on help.

“Our town is big on supporting local businesses and local people and this is returned in events like the Rodeo and Campdraft.”