A RODEO will be held on a central Camperdown block next March if plans by a local publican are given the nod of approval.
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Hampden Hotel licensee Simon Myers wants to hold the event in the hotel’s carpark and on a vacant block of land at the back of the pub.
“I want to keep it in town so people can just walk down here and it gives it that extra buzz,” Mr Myers told The Standard yesterday.
The town’s showgrounds was considered as an alternative venue, but Mr Myers said he was keen to host the rodeo in the centre of town.
“I have spoken to the local residents in the area and have gained full support for the event to go ahead,” Mr Myers said.
He has secured Dartmoor-based company Woodalls Rodeo Promotions, which runs events across Australia and is hoping to hold the first competition on March 23.
Mr Myers said a Woodalls representative had visited the privately-owned block, at the corner of Fergusson and Baths streets, and assured him there was enough space to accommodate a rodeo ring and holding yards.
“They measured it out and said it’s okay. They’ve done one before in the backyard at the Nelson pub.” The company is planning to erect four yards to hold the 20 bulls that will be used for the competition rounds with spectators watching the action from grandstand seating in the hotel’s carpark.
The hotel is hoping to gain approval to extend its liquor licence into the area for the event.
Mr Myers has submitted a planning permit application to the Corangamite Shire seeking approval for a rodeo for a maximum of two days a year. The permit is open for public comment until December 21. He is also hoping for shire approval to close both Bath and Fergusson streets during the event.
Mr Myers said the rodeo would be held in the late afternoon from 4.30pm to about 9pm and would be followed by a live band at the hotel.
“I could end up with 200 people or I could end up with 2000. It will cost me about $20,000 all up so it’s a big risk.
“There’s an option to do two (rodeos) a year and you could develop the block with more permanent structures.”
“It would be great for the town. Camperdown already has a fair bit going for it with the car show and the equestrian event last weekend and there’s also the hillclimbs. It’s good for everyone.”
