A guitar is to be added before it heads off to the foundry for the final steps of bronzing.

Sculptor Tessa Wallis has created the statue in her workshop in Kew, Victoria.

It will take pride of place at East Cessnock Bowling Club, where a series of concerts have been staged to raise funds for this huge project to be delivered to the country music legend’s last hometown.

The cost of the statue is $55,000 and so far more than $37,000 has been raised.

The next concert is planned for Saturday, May 3.

The statue will be placed on the grassed area near the club’s new undercover bowling green along with a statue lookalike of Reg’s parade horse surrounded by roses.

Reg’s widow Ros Lindsay said the statue will be a wonderful tribute to a legend of the country music industry.

Donations to help finish the statue can be made to the Reg Lindsay Statue Fund at the Commonwealth Bank (BSB 062805, account number 10334085).

Any donations over $100 will receive the latest Reg Lindsay CD “No Stone Unturned” plus a VIP invitation to the official unveiling of the statue.

Meanwhile, the 20th annual Reg Lindsay Rodeo will be celebrated at Tomago Bowling Club on Saturday, March 8.

“It is hard to believe that the Reg. Lindsay Rodeo is celebrating this milestone of 20years, first being presented at Cessnock as an Australian Professional Rodeo with the APRA now being affiliated with the Australian Bushmans Campdraft and Rodeo Association,” Ros said.

“The rodeo has attracted many of the best contestants throughout the years and has raised funds for the Westpac Helicopter Service, Lions Club, St. John Ambulance and the Rural Fire Service.”

Nakadoo Rodeo Company will supply the best bulls in the land that will be sure to attract the top cowboys on show in the Howard and Queenie Winfield Memorial Open Bull Ride.

Other events on the program include the Adam Robertson Memorial Novice Bull Ride; open saddle bronc and bareback; a ladies barrel race, Little Britches barrel racers and the Pee Wee Poddy calf ride.

Gates open at 2pm and a full rodeo program starts at 4pm. An after-rodeo party will feature live entertainment from Bob Morton and the Summerland Kings.

Call Ros Lindsay on 0412 967 863 for more information.