Often called “modern day gladiators” 45 cowboys competed for honors and fame Friday and Saturday evening during the 22nd annual National Federation of Professional Bullriders event inside the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
Todd Pettigrew, of Sedalia, sponsor/promoter of the annual event told the Democrat Saturday afternoon the 45 riders came from all over the country to compete this year.
“They will be riding for cash prizes … thousands and thousands of dollars,” he said.
Although the bull riding event was this past weekend, Pettigrew noted that this weekend they will host the International Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo also at the Mathewson Center.
Both events are filled with family entertainment. Pettigrew said for both events they draw names from the audience for “mutton busting” where children ride, a sometimes, rambunctious sheep.
“That’s one the things we do for children ages seven and under,” he added. “Prior to the show we have a free pony rides. The doors open at 6:30 (p.m.) and we have vendors, and the show will start at 8 p.m.”
On Saturday besides bull riding, rodeo clown Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson entertained the large crowd with two comedy acts. In one act Thompson, acting as “sheriff,” was delivered by a Sedalia Police Department vehicle so he could arrest to two “subjects” who were disturbing the peace.
During the event members of the audience were also able to play Cowboy Pinball with a large white Missouri bull named Mr. Misunderstood.
“Four ‘lucky’ guys will be out there and we turn a bull out,” Pettigrew said. “He’s got big, old horns, they are humongous. I said last night they look like stacks on a semi, they are huge, and he’s intimidating. It’s entertaining.”
The last man standing inside a hula hoop becomes the winner of the “Misunderstood” pinball game and receives $100.
During the bull riding event Pettigrew said the competition comes down to the last six cowboys that have ridden one bull.
“Then those six guys will get on another bull and then they will compete to win an average,” he added.
This weekend the IPRA Rodeo will run both on Friday and Saturday and will feature the seven “standard” rodeo events, bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds; the Rodeo begins at 8 p.m. There will be mutton busting, Cowboy Pinball and trade show vendors. Tickets are $14 at the door for adults and $7 for children. For a $2 discount, tickets may be purchased in advance at Gene’s Boots & Hats, Dukes & Boots, and Dairy Queen of Sedalia.
