Checked shirts, Akubras, boots and VB cans crowded the town’s showgrounds.

Even Cold Chisel boomed from the speakers.

One cowboy look-alike, however, did not completely fit the stereotype.

Daniel Harrold, who moved to Beechworth from Scotland, had an accent normally heard alongside pipers but decided to dress the part for his first rodeo.

His friend, Will Mallaby, said he even cut his hair into a mullet for the occasion.

The internationals were beckoned to the 61st annual event by Beechworth farmer Jeremy Gladstone.

He had attended every year since he was a boy after his grandfather and father started the family tradition in the Golden Spurs’ early days.

“Dad used to bring us down to camp on the Ovens,” he said.

“Straight after Christmas Day we pack up and get down here.”

Mr Gladstone said although the rodeo was typically popular for the bull riding, he was more interested in other events.

“I come to see the chicks with the roping,” he said.

“They are really impressive and that’s the skill you need on a property.”

Myrtleford Golden Spurs Rodeo committee president Kevin Kennedy said he could not knock the crowd of more than 3500 people.

“It’s more than just a rodeo, it’s a social event for everyone who is taking a break over Christmas,” he said.

“But the people who compete here just live it and breathe it.”

The rodeo is organised by the Lions Club of Myrtleford and Mr Kennedy hoped the event would raise more than $25,000 to inject back into the community.