Thursday July 29, Preston ID

Howdy everyone!!!! Tonight we are off to the Famous Preston Night Rodeo, and shortly are going to watch the All Horse Parade through the main street. Also have got tickets for tomorrow nights event as well, so we are really going to have a Western Fix! Thought I would write a bit now while we are sitting in Ruakiwi under some trees on a side street where we are parked for the next two days, before we head off.

After a long day yesterday it was quite a slow start but knew it wasn’t far to Preston. Very refreshing being up in the mountains and so nice to have warm days and really cool evenings. Our first stop was in Soda Springs which Heidi, the Camp Hosts suggested we check out. In the late 1800’s they drilled trying to get hot water but they struck underground pressure that was unsuitable for a spring as it had too many minerals in it, and it soon turned cold. It was sealed over but now they have an automatic release valve that releases a huge geyser on the hour every hour. Anyone it was fun to see and all the kids had a great time playing underneath it.

Then it was further south to Preston passing through more highly irrigated, cropped land and even some dairying.

We arrived in town, and already there were seats lining the streets for tonight’s parade. Tried to find the Information Centre to see about tickets and also where we could stay, but drove right through town and no sign of one. Pulled into a grain and feed supplies store and hit the jackpot when we met the manager Steve. He was so helpful, rang the ticket sales to check if there were any still available, and lucky enough could still get them. Also told us where there was a tree line street just behind the shops, and suggested that would be a great place to park for a few days. So within a short time we had bought tickets for both tonight and tomorrow nights show and were parked under the trees. It’s very warm, in the mid 30’s, but we are managing, maybe getting used to it.

Will finish later, evidently the rodeo doesn’t finish until 11pm.

…Later. Well what a fantastic evening, starting with the all horse parade down Main Street at 6.30. People were lining the street, sitting on their chairs, and children were everywhere with their bags waiting for the heaps of sweets that were thrown out. There were old stage coaches and buggy’s and all the Rodeo Queens from the surrounding districts dressed in their outfits rode through. The school band was there as well, along with many other horse groups. A great show. The first day of the 3 day rodeo was yesterday, and each day there is a parade through town, as well as street stalls and other entertainment including music in the park.

We caught the shuttle bus for the short trip out to the rodeo and there was action everywhere. A huge carnival was in action adjoining the grounds with all the thrill rides of the fair, and everywhere were families out enjoying themselves.

The arena probably held close to 4000 people and most of the seats were full, we had great seats. The program started at 8.15 with a parade of the Rodeo Queens on horseback, looking really glam with all their bling on, then the entertainment started with the saddle broncs and continued on through the evening and finishing with the bull riding. Excitement the whole time….with some nasty spills and some great rides. The cowboys were from all over the states so they were top riders. The commentator and the clown along with great music created a real party atmosphere. Sorry to see the night end, although will take a cushion with us tomorrow night, the metal seats got a bit hard! I struggled a bit with photos once the light dropped and after the first few events, I had to give up. Got quite a surprise when during the evening the commentator welcomed the people visiting from New Zealand and would they please stand up…all a bit embarrassing but got lots of welcomes. Evidently someone earlier had asked us about our accents, and passed the message on!!!