Rodeo royalty Jo and Mark Kestel take over for Kalgan Stampede 2025, saying they have “something for everyone”

Cowboys and cowgirls will be stepping up for some country fun this Saturday, with the annual Kalgan Stampede taking place for the seventh year, this time with new organisers at its helm.

Jo and Mark Kestel have taken the reins of the Great Southern’s premiere rodeo from long-time organiser Tom Kennedy, who has stepped away to set up his dream of a Wild West-themed bowling alley.

Mr Kestel, who has run Double Barrel Entertainment with his wife since 2017, said they had been on the rodeo scene for many years as organisers, spectators and competitors.

“This is, as they say, ‘not our first rodeo’,” he said.

“We run eight others across the State as far north as Dongara, and have been on the circuit for 40-odd years together.

“So when Tom approached us and said he wanted to step down, we said ‘it’s for the community, for the calendar — we’re going to pick up the ball and run with it’.

“We pride ourselves on running family events, involving the community as much as we possibly can, and making sure it evolves better every year.”

Festivities for the all-day event begin at 8am when the grounds at Kalgan River Caravan Park open, followed by the junior events at 9am, the competitors’ grand parade at 2pm, and the main senior events before the stalls shut down at 11.55pm.

The nine-point rodeo schedule will include events such as bareback and saddleback riding, timed and team roping, steer undecorating, breakaway roping, and the open barrel race.

As well as food trucks and bars, the event will feature two live country-rock acts — Bradley Hall and Scarlet’s Way — performing after the main rodeo events to provide a proper bootscooting atmosphere.

“Whether you’re into bovine entertainment or not, there’s something for everyone,” Mr Kestel said.

“The calibre of cowboys we have in WA at the moment is second to none — we will have juniors who are in the top 10 of the country, a couple that are former Australia champions like Wade McCarthy, and a few currently vying for champions. Our youngest (competitor) is eight, and our oldest is 77.

“We’re really happy to be a part of it and hopefully keep this event going.”

Tickets are on sale on the Double Barrel Entertainment website and at the gates, and campsites can be booked at the Kalgan River Chalets & Caravan Park.