Organising committee president Greg Darmody, who has been running the show for more than 25 years, is expecting at least 2000 visitors at the event - 3000 if it is a good day.

Competitors travel from all over the country to compete in 17 events, though most are from NSW and Queensland.

''The kids have a go, the women have a go, it's not all about riding the bareback for the broncs,'' organiser Clarry Brown said.

Among the events will be bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Saddlebronc, for the uninitiated, is the classic rodeo show-stopper where brave competitors fight to stay on a bucking steer.

Children as young as 11 can take part in junior steer and barrel races. And for littlies who aren't quite so game, there will be a jumping castle and a merry-go-round.

Mr Darmody suggested keeping an eye on the young Richardson brothers, whose rodeo talents were most impressive. Cliff Richardson is flying back from another rodeo in Queensland today so he can compete at Bungendore tomorrow. ''They're up and coming stars, I can tell you that,'' Mr Darmody said.

Mr Darmody's two sons, James and Tom, will compete in open saddle and novice saddle events.

Competitors can win up to $1000 in some events with a total prize pool of about $9000. Proceeds go to the St Mary's and St Philip's Combined Churches Rodeo Association.

■ The Bungendore Rodeo is on tomorrow, 8am-5.30pm at Bungendore Rodeo Equestrian Sports and Recreation Reserve on the Kings Highway. Adults $20, Seniors $15, Juniors 12-16 $10, kids under 12 free. Tickets available at the gate.