The event – which features a full card Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft Rodeo Association (ABCRA) competitions – will be held at the Equex Centre in Wagga.

Entries open later this week but organisers are already confident that interest is strong.

In fact, it is estimated the rodeo could attract as many as 500 entries with top competitors vying for $2000 in prize money for each of the major events.

Wagga Rodeo and Team Yarders Association secretary Kellie Hall said competitors were planning to travel from as far away as New Zealand.

“We have had interest from Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Victoria,” she said.

In addition to holding the main rodeo events the program has also been expanded to allow for a local steer ride and ladies buck jump.

Ms Hall said there were buckles to be won and generous prize money was on offer.

She said it was 14 years since the last ABCRA affiliated event had been held in Wagga.

Ms Hall said the Wagga Stampede was organised due to the community demand.

“Wagga is a rodeo town,” she said.

It is estimated a crowd of 4000 to 6000 spectators will gather to watch the action.

Ms Hall said the event would have strong family themes with plenty of entertainment for the kids.

“We will have a dummy roping clinic for the kids,” she said.

The first section of the program starts at 10am with a grand entry at 2pm followed by a second performance.

Ms Hall estimated the rodeo will payout some $28,000 or more.

The Wagga Stampede is also a qualifier event for the High School Rodeo Association.

Entries open later this week but the committee has already had indications that ABCRA all around champions Blake Hallam of Tamworth and Nichole Fitzpatrick of Willow Tree will compete.

Mrs Hall said money raised from the Wagga Stampede will be put back into the work and improvement at Wagga’s Equex Centre to ultimately benefit the wider industry.

“This is a local event for the community,” Ms Hall said.