The Lawrence Rodeo Club is hosting the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboy Association's national finals, with seven events being held over three "go-rounds" at the club grounds in Wetherston Rd on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24.
Lawrence Rodeo Club promotions officer Brent Taylor said the club was building on its experience of hosting the event in 2002.
Club members had been working hard to ensure the grounds were "up to scratch", holding working bees most Monday evenings, and sometimes twice a week.
This year's top five contenders were "quite close" in the standings and would provide a great competition, he said.
Lawrence man and previous saddle-bronc winner Simon Roughan was one to keep an eye on, Mr Taylor said.
Bull-riding was a crowd favourite, providing some "spectacular" sights, Mr Taylor said.
"Rodeo is something different. It's a different kind of action, man versus animal. You never know just what the animal is going to do."
The top eight will also race against the clock in the barrel race, steer wrestling, rope and tie and team roping events.
Two judges each award up to 25 points for the way the animal bucks and up to 25 points for the way the contestant rides it.
This makes a total possible score of 100 points for each ride.
"There's a lot to do with style - it's more than just staying on for eight seconds."
The finals begin at 4pm on Friday, March 23, with the first go-round followed by a social night with Southern rock band Yardmen performing.
Gates open at 10am on Saturday, March 24 for a family day, with a variety of stalls, sideshows and children's entertainment on offer. A wine and food festival will also take place.
The first of two more go-rounds on Saturday is scheduled to start at noon, with the second due to start in middle of the afternoon. A public prizegiving on Saturday night at Simpson Park rounds off the two-day event.
Wairere South Romneys National Finals Rodeo, Lawrence, March 23 and 24.
