Now in it’s seventh year it is not only the guarantee of red hot action in the arena, but also the vital funds donated to charity, that has made this event so popular with both rodeo enthusiasts and the wider community.

Since it began in 2011, the Blue Moon Charity Bull Ride has raised $49,750 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, including $11,250 in 2017. While the goal is at least $10,000 per year, event organiser Pete Farley was hoping for $15,000 at this years event. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has long been used to help those in need such as bull riders, including Pete himself, “As a professional bull rider I was involved in an accident. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was there to help me and this event it a way to give back to them,” he said.

The family friendly event will be held on Saturday, November 3, and will have something on offer for everyone. When the gates open at 4pm there will be plenty of live music, entertainment and activities for the kids, along with food and drink available, but at 7pm it will be time to find the best viewing spots as that’s when the action really kicks off.

The best bull riders and the strongest bulls will clash to see who will come out on top and claim the 2018 title. On offer is the championship buckle and trophy saddle along with a handy $10,000 in prize money. There will also be buckles and prize money for the junior bull riders with 8 to 11 years, and 11 to 14 years categories on show.

At the 2017 Blue Moon event, competitors from across the globe tried their luck at lasting the eight seconds needed, with some travelling from New Zealand and others from as far away as Mexico, Canada and America. Pete said the best stock is sourced from across the state to try and beat the riders, with bulls from the Hunter Valley, Guyra and Tenterfield.

Pete said that while it was great to raise money for charity it really wouldn’t be possible without the community’s support. “The support from the local community and further afield is two fold. Firstly you need the crowd to show up, which they have done repeatedly and we are expecting a bog crowd this year,” he said. “Secondly you need the support of sponsors and we have some amazing ones including Kempsey’s Ray White Rural and Shamil Livestock, along with many, many more. We can;t be thankful enough for the generosity because without them events like this simply wouldn’t happen”.

Tickets for this years event at $25 for 16 and over, $15 for those aged 5 to 15, while those under 5 get free entry. There is also a family pass available for $70.