The annual Gladstone Campdraft is set to attract more than 1200 competitors, as the competition expands to run over three days for the first time in its history.
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The Gladstone Campdraft organisers and committee members made the decision to extend the competition by one day as the number of entries continues to grow.
Committee member Barbara Fraser believes it was inevitable.
“We have received entries from up and down the coast and from all over Australia,” Fraser told the Argus.
“It’s the first time we are holding it over three days, we want it to become even more of a prominent fixture on the Australian campdraft calendar.
“The entries list has been growing every year and the interest has sky rocketed again this year.”
Fraser is expecting hot competition, with winners from last year and local talent on display.
“Each division will be very competitive this year,” Fraser said.
“There are plenty of talented locals competing and the best from across Australia are travelling to compete.”
It’s free entry for spectators and Fraser is hoping for people to come along and support a local event.
“The action is very entertaining and hopefully people from the community attend to support us and enjoy themselves,” Fraser said.
Fraser also expressed her gratitude for the people who contribute to make the Gladstone Campdraft possible.
“We couldn’t run it if it wasn’t for all of the volunteers who help out or if people didn’t donate their cattle,” Fraser said.
“A huge thank you goes to all of them for their hard work and generosity.”
The competition will start at 6am on Saturday and Sunday while the action will commence at 6.30am on Monday.
The Mavin Hino Truck Centre and The Roy Langham Memorial Maiden Draft is held on Saturday morning with the Mid North Coast Equine Reproduction Centre, The John Battle Memorial and Ned Ball Memorial Shield Open Draft will follow.
The Macleay Valley Transport Novice Draft is held on Sunday morning followed by the finals of the two events held on Saturday before the Gladstone Heritgae Hotel – Open for Open Draft is held afterwards.
The Michael Ettelson Property Sales Encouragement Draft for 17-years and over kicks off Monday before the O’Donnell & Hanlon Junior Draft and Juvenile Draft are held. Then the Macleay Valley Transport Novice Draft final is on ahead of the final event the Kempsey Stock and Land Ladies Draft for 17-years and over.
There will be full canteen facilities with the Lolly Lady and Kitchen Gadgets on site.
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