THE Grass Roots Bull Ride is set to bring more than 150 Australian and international competitors to the Redlands when it returns on January 18.
The event, hosted by Redland Bay Hotel, is in its eighth year and a big crowd is expected to soak up the action.
Organiser Jesse James said the event would keep up its tradition of supporting vulnerable Redlands community members, with proceeds from the day to be donated to The Cage Youth Foundation.
"Our motto for grass roots is be proud of who you are, where you are from and where you are headed, and make sure you help everyone else on the way up," he said.
James said the event had gotten bigger every year and was now recognised as an international qualifying event for senior bull riders.
"What that means is anyone over 40 who rides bulls in Australia can ride at this event and it goes towards one of the events they have to compete at, because they have to compete at five to qualify for the finals in the United States," he said.
"We will have Australian champions and world champions here competing.
"It gets bigger and bigger every single year. Our competitor numbers have grown from 60 to 150 and our crowd has gone from 900 to 2,500 last year."
Other attractions at the event include food and clothing stalls, and free carnival rides for children with their ticket.
James said it would be an affordable day out for families, with prices to be capped on water and soft drink.
"It's all about families," he said. "We try to get all the kids off their tablets and phones and get them out for a day with the family, hence why we put the rides in there."
Tickets can be purchased online in advance for a discounted price or at the gate on the day.
Adults are $25, concessions and children are $15 and family passes can be bought for $75, with those aged 17 and under eligible to enter as a child.
There will also be a meet-and-greet with bull riders from 6.30pm on Friday, January 17 and an after party at the Redland Bay Hotel on Saturday night.
The Redland City Bulletin and local businesses are sponsors of the event.
Read more local sport news here.
