Action at the Gresford Showground runs Friday and Saturday, August 24-25, and the fundraiser will be held this Friday night at the iconic Gresford local, with all proceeds going to drought relief.

Publican Bernie Lawler and his team have also lined up live entertainment for the night.

“The band on the Friday night will be Red Dirt Country Band, and they really know how to put on a show,” Bernie said. “We’ll also be running our annual charity fundraiser where you throw a five dollar note on the roof.

“All money  goes to  drought relief this year.

“If you don’t know how to throw a note on the roof, give one of our staff $5 and they’ll show you how it’s done. 

“There’s also tins on the bar if you feel inclined to donate in a more conventional way.”

Every year in the lead-up to the rodeo, Hotel Beatty holds a fundraiser.  Last year they raised $1565 for Camp Quality.

“It’s our little way of helping out, and for a small town and pub to raise  $1565 last year, I reckon it’s great,” Bernie said. “We do it through the local Rotary Club and we’re hoping to get even more this year.”

Bernie is expecting a big crowd to converge  at the showground for Saturday’s rodeo which features the Richardson Bros Transport Open Bull Ride, the Over 40s Bull Ride and the Lawrence Livestock Transport Open Campdraft.

“There’s the Junior Campdraft and Rodeo at the Showground on the Friday,” Bernie said. “So there’ll be heaps of people staying over on the Friday and this place will be pumping.

“We’ve had the Red Dirt Country Band a couple of times here and they’ll get all the cowboys and cowgirls up and dancing.

“We’re big supporters of live local music here at the Hotel Beatty and always happy to host these guys.”

Music runs from 8 to late at Hotel Beatty on the Friday.

If you want to grab a  famous Hotel Beatty T-bone, courtesy of Gresford Gourmet Meats, chefs Kathy and Haley will be cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

“Rod Crouch and his crew supply our T-bones and are experts in providing  select local beef from paddock to plate,” Bernie said.

“They’re helping support local farmers, too, and do a great job supplying the local community with all their butchery needs.”

Barbecue, bar and kiosk facilities will be available at the Showground Friday and Saturday, with live music from 9pm onwards on  Saturday night.

Be advised no BYO alcohol at the showground due to licence restrictions.

Bring your swag and make a weekend of it with camping available.