The bulls, and the cowboys who ride them, will compete in a rodeo that will be a highlight of the 63rd Annual Morisset Lake Macquarie District Agricultural Show.

Show committee president Justin Rumore said the community was buzzing about this year’s show – and much of the chat was about the return of the rodeo.

“For the first time in 59 years the show will run into the night with an action-packed rodeo and fireworks display,” Mr Rumore said.

“We’ve already pre-sold $2000 worth of tickets. It’s going to be huge.”

There is talk of the possibility of 5000 or 6000 people turning out for the event.

The rodeo will start at 4pm, and continue to about 9pm.

It will feature bull rides, barrel races, steer and poddy calf events – with categories for men, women, and children.

Entries are still being accepted.

“At half-time in the rodeo we’re putting on a motorbike challenge, where people on motorbikes will be timed against riders on horses in a couple of events in the main arena,” Mr Rumore said.

The show will run from Friday, February 10, to Sunday, February 12.

Entry on Friday is free, with the dog show and the show jumping horses on the card.

Highlights of Saturday’s program include the crowning of the 2017 Show Girl, cattle and poultry shows, sporting horse events, and the rodeo and fireworks.

Sunday will feature wood chopping, the Australian Dog Groomers shoot out, wife carrying competition, pet and goat shows, and a display of 200 cars valued at more than $10 million.

There will be live music on the main stage over the weekend, as well as pony rides, showbags, food, craft and photography competitions, and all of the fun of traditional agricultural shows.

Entry costs $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $25 for families.