Having been a staple of the town’s calendar for a number of years, the organisers are keen to make sure they continue to build on the legacy as more than 600 competitors are expected to make the journey to the rural Upper Hunter community.

Committee vice-president Tim Stanley said they had once again received much interest from interstate with entries from Queensland and Western Australia expected at the event.

The motto for the two-day show is “some bigger, none better”.

And, Stanley believes that still rings true.

“We’re pretty isolated so it’s not just a rodeo that everyone comes to and leaves,” he said.

“It’s sort of a weekend thing where everyone camps over and makes a big weekend party out of it.”

It’s also a community-driven event and, as a result, a number of groups are involved in the day, including the Cassilis Public School P&C, who will run the gate, while the church and Parks Trust will once again take control of the canteen.

They have added a new beneficiary this year, with charity organisation Limbs for Life starting what will hopefully be a long-term partnership.

The vice-president says the Cassilis Charity Rodeo is a good chance for people to escape the mental burden of the drought and enjoy some family fun, including the mini-bulls, which was everyone’s favourite in 2018.

Ticket pricing for that crowd has changed this year, with Friday being completely free and Saturday costing $18 for an adult, $8 for children (5-16 years old) and pensioners while kids under five can enter without cost.

The rodeo will begin on Friday, February 1, at 5pm and kick off at 10am on Saturday, February 2, at Cassilis War Memorial Park.