ORGANISERS of the 45th Merrijig Rodeo on Saturday, March 11, are urging patrons to pre–book entry tickets, transport transfers and off–site accommodation as soon as possible to ensure they do not miss a great family and action–packed event over the Labour Day weekend.

Several significant changes have been made for this year's rodeo to guarantee the wellbeing of all and to provide a much better experience for everyone involved.

The major decision the committee was forced to make was no camping at the grounds where the rodeo is held each year.

Competitors are still able to camp as per usual.

Merrijig Rodeo committee secretary Donna Howton said, "Unfortunately, we can no longer offer onsite camping at McCormack Park.

"The difficult decision was made in December for multiple reasons to not offer camping to patrons."

A statement on the Merrijig Rodeo website said, "Sadly, the behaviour of some campers during our last rodeo put the safety of and the event at risk and we have made the difficult decision to prohibit camping for 2023 and beyond."

However, Donna said the good news is that there are plenty of alternative camping and accommodation options in the area, encouraging people to book early.

There will also be two bus transfers at this stage departing on the day from Mansfield at 5pm, and 6pm from Highett St outside the Mansfield RSL and en route pick up from the corner of Timothy Lane and Mt Buller Rd, Mansfield.

The return trips will depart from McCormack Park from 10pm and 11pm with the drop–off points the same as the pickup points.

The cost of return fares for adults is $15, teens (13–17 years) $8, and children 12 years and under are free.

For those who choose to drive themselves, ample parking is adjacent to the rodeo ground.

Parking is free and opens at noon.

Donna said another change being implemented, following feedback from last year's rodeo, was the introduction of pre–paid tokens for the bar.

"This year we hope to avoid the bottle neck caused by people waiting in line to be served," she said.

"By buying the tickets online at our website, customers will be able to walk up to the bar and get served straight away which should improve customer service."

Donna highlighted that local community groups ran the bar and two food outlets, including the Bonnie Doon Football Club, the Mansfield Scouts, and Girl Guides.

She said powered by more than 100 volunteers representing eight community organisations, the profits from the rodeo are distributed back to the volunteer groups in recognition of the many hours they donate to make the event a success.

Donna said the Merrijig Rodeo is a major draw card for visitors across Victoria and interstate each year, and a crowd of 4000 is expected in 2023.

It is advised to pre–book entry tickets before the day because numbers are capped, and if sold out early, there will be limited tickets available at the gate.

The program promises plenty of action, including the bull ride, which features last year's winner and local cowboy, Will Purcell.

Will is currently number 12 in the APRA standings and will be keen for back–to–back success in his hometown of Merrijig.

The main event starts at 6.30pm and concludes at 10.30pm.

All the usual rodeo action will be on offer including bull rides, breakaway roping, saddle bronc ride, steer wrestling, bareback ride, team roping and barrel racing.

Gates open at 12pm, and there is the opportunity to catch more rodeo action from 2pm when the junior events are run.

Entry for the local steer ride is limited to 18 spots and pre–registration is essential by contacting committee member Rob Purcell on 0409 440 170.

There will be a chance to meet Emily Furniss, the Rodeo Queen 2022 & 2023, who is also a committee member.