THE Drought Buster Charity Rodeo was hailed an outstanding "success" at the Muswellbrook Showground on Saturday.
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Perfect conditions greeted competitors and spectators alike, with a big crowd passing through the gates for an afternoon - and evening - of entertainment.
Music, market stalls, a raffle, food, drinks and informative displays, from organisations such as Hunter Local Land Services, Rural Aid and Where There's A Will, added to the ambiance.
"It was a big task but we pulled it off," said Upper Hunter Show Society (UHSS) Inc president Keith Googe, who coordinated the event with Muswellbrook Charity Rodeo (MCR) counterpart Brad Singleton and their respective teams.
"In that respect, we need to thank our small band of committee members; major sponsors Malabar Coal, MACH Energy, Bengalla, Mangoola, BHP, Muswellbrook RSL Club and Thiess; as well as many local businesses including Pumps and Pipeline Services, Pet Medical, U20 Band, Hollydene Estate, The Barn Veterinary Services, Kirkwood Produce Singleton, Muswellbrook Race Club, MacCallum Inglis Scone, Marsh Carney Scone, Hunter Valley Printing, Hunter Valley News, Muswellbrook Chronicle, ABC Radio, Power FM, Pukara Estate, Rural Aid, Where There's A Will, Hunter Local Land Services, Melanie's Jewellers Scone, Upper Hunter Turf Services, Rosevale Angus Stud, Denman Rural, Dimmock's Quality Meats Aberdeen, Foodworks Aberdeen, Pirtek, Muswellbrook Signs, Davies Thompson and Wright Services, Farmers Warehouse Singleton, Blue Flame Restaurant and Car Wash, All Seasons Irrigation, Kelly's Top Pub Aberdeen, Ben and Jackie Priestly, CRJ Maintenance, Muswellbrook Steel Supplies, Hitachi Muswellbrook, Westpac Muswellbrook and Milwain's Water.
"We couldn't have done it without their support."
The two organisations joined forces to create the "Drought Buster" to provide a bit of relief for the region's hard-working farmers, who have been battling the harsh, dry conditions of late.
And, the UHSS and MCR achieved their goal by offering a free, entertaining event.
"We just wanted people to put everything to the back of their minds - and push their worries to the side for one day," Googe said.
"They could spend time with family and friends; and enjoy themselves.
"I thought we accomplished that.
"The mood was good and spirits were high.
"Overall, we were very happy - and everything worked pretty well.
"The response to the event was strong.
"Hopefully, we made a little bit of money for a drought-related charity, too.
"In fact, the guy who won the $1000 cash prize in the raffle donated it back.
"That was a great gesture."
As for the bullriding action, that received the "thumbs up" as well.
"Brad [Singleton] was really happy with the [rodeo] competition," Googe said.
"The numbers, and quality, impressed everyone.
"It was a terrific atmosphere from start to finish."
