Tourism Guyana 2022/23 | Page 19

With plans to build the event to one which can welcome more regional participants and visitors , Minister of Tourism , Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond encouraged more investments in the Tourism and hospitality sector in the region . Many persons hoping to travel to the region for this year ’ s Rodeo were unable to book flights or a place to stay while in Lethem . The Minister said “ the predicted growth should inspire confidence for more people to invest in quality accommodation and service to meet the rapidly increasing demand . More people would ’ ve been here if they were able to secure accommodation and it ’ s therefore imperative that we pay serious attention to this and we look at the bigger picture and we project to a brighter future .”
Into the evening a crowd favorite was on show , The Bull Riding segment . This garnered the most gasps from the crowd as the Bulls were wild trying their best to overturn the vaqueros on their backs ! Once successful they charged the riders which were left scampering for safety and were helped by the masterfully athletic ring clowns which served as distractions for the bulls to allow the riders to get away safely . Various other cattle ranching displays were on show throughout the evening . It truly was a spectacle !
Another mainstay of the weekend festival was the carnivalstyle rides in the compound where visitors could get their own exhilaration .
The Ferris Wheel , hammer toss machines , and a mechanical bull had large queues of persons eager to try them for the first time in a while and while the lines snaked to all parts of the park , there was more than enough activity to make your trip to the town worthwhile .
Carnival games were also in abundance . Ring toss , BB gun challenges and even a trivia game set up by one of the many booths provided much entertainment for all ages before , during and even after the exploits of the bull-riders . The two-day event had more than its fair share of things to do and enjoy for both tourists and locals alike .
It is no wonder why the Rupununi Rodeo is one of the largest sporting events for the year in Guyana , and people make the long trek from Georgetown and other parts of the country to enjoy .
Make this event a must do on your calendar once you get the chance !
TOURISM GUYANA 2022 | 17