Locals to star at this year’s Rhythm & Ride Rodeo and Country Music event

The annual Rhythm and Ride Rodeo and Country Music event will run this weekend with a distinctly local flavour due to COVID-19 border restrictions.

The action kicks off on Friday with the campdraft and kids’ git up day, where children under the age of 18 get free entry.

Saturday is the main event — with an ACBRA-registered rodeo followed by a big night of country music headlined by Third Wheel, AJ Trio and King of Hearts.

The Resonants and Footprince will take to the stage on Friday.

Saltwater Country chairwoman Cara Peek said the event, now in its fifth year, was family friendly.

“It feels more important than ever to connect and check in on each other during this unpredictable year,” she said.

“2021 has presented a huge range of challenges for many who are separated by border closures however the silver lining still remains that we are heavily protected in the West and we need to celebrate that fact”.

“It’s incredible that as West Australians, we can use the power of physical connection through community designed events like R+R to come together right now.

“We know we are very lucky to be able to continue with this large-scale event, knowing so many other states are unable to host anything right now.” remarked Peek.

The weekend is the main event for Saltwater Country, an organisation which champions the connection between Aboriginal cowboys and pastoral land.

A free bus will run all weekend and music-only passes are available for those not intending to go to the rodeo, campdraft and family activities.