Local riders will take centre stage and proudly represent the region at the 71st Narrandera Rodeo on Saturday, 28 February.

Competitors from across the region are set to compete in front of a home crowd.

Leading the junior events are Elke Richens, competing in junior barrel racing and Dustin Dillon, who will contest the junior steer ride.

Both riders are from Narrandera and represent the next generation of local rodeo talent.

Narrandera will also be represented by saddle bronc competitor Brad Freund and from Grong Grong there will be Wendy Batchelor competing in the open barrel racing event.

Both riders have a long and well-respected family association in rodeo events.

Melanie Drysdale from Yanco will compete in breakaway roping.

Drysdale is also the event coordinator for this year’s rodeo, playing a key role behind the scenes.

Fellow Yanco competitor Corey Heath, the rodeo’s junior vice president, will take part in roping events.

Leeton will also have a strong presence, with Erika Quinn competing in barrel racing and Billy Guilford entering steer wrestling.

Also competing is Mackenzie March, representing both Leeton and Warwick.

Rodeo committee president Alarna Vrieling said some of the best riders will showcase their talents at the event.

“Some really top riders and horsemen/women have come from around here and represented Narrandera in a cross section of equestrian events,” Alarna said.

“Often riders are quiet achievers and it’s important that they too get recognition as athletes.”

The Narrandera Rodeo’s main events are scheduled to start from 6.30pm.