Often people feel that to have a lot of fun and excitement they have to spend a lot of money and go to a huge event in a big arena. Not necessarily so! Ten years ago Johnny and Peggy Hopkins produced the first Tuff-N-Nuff Rodeo in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Today the event has become a highlight of spring activities in the Midwest. Rodeo Attitude representative, LoriDee Meyers attended the Saturday afternoon rodeo and the Saturday night's NFPB bull riding. After over a decade of attending such events she has become a seasoned observer. So what was her opinion? “A riot! Everyone had fun. The arena wasn’t the biggest but it was packed to standing room only. From the opening when the Hopkins personally met each contestant at Saturdays bull riding to the last ride the crowd was into it. Shawn and the announcer just had everyone in the place so into the event. I had so much fun! This was one of the best I have ever been to. They deserve a top story!”
LoriDee felt that a major part of the success of the event was the personal touches that Johnny Hopkins, his wife Peggy and their son, Levi, put on the event. This was the events 10th Anniversary and they tossed a “lot” of t-shirts and hats out to the crowd, made all the contestants feel welcome and added the Midwest Bullfighters to the lineup. They also went out of their way to make this year’s Barn Dance one that no one would forget.
Action began on Friday night, April 20th with a full rodeo sanctioned by the Interstate Rodeo Association and the United Rodeo Association. Then on Saturday afternoon the rodeo had another performance. Both performances were well attended by both fans and contestants. This being one of the first events of the spring season many were seeing each other for the first time in several months which just added to the warm “family” feeling of the event.
The Midwest Bullfighters Association provided three rounds of free style bullfighting at its best. If you have not had the opportunity to witness a free style bullfight, you should make an effort to catch one. Intense scary excitement is just one way of describing the action in the arena that leaves you on the edge of your seat! Toby Inman took home the championship with an unbelievable 92 point score. The highlight of his competition was a back flip over the bull!
Saturday night was strictly bull riding and bullfighting. The bull riding was sanctioned by the National Federation of Professional Bullriders and featured many of the top riders in the Midwest. The NFPB has a reputation for the dedication and talent of its athletes and this was very apparent in the competition. Henry Yoder ended the night as the event champion. Henry was awarded a trophy saddle as part of his winnings. Although this was not Henry’s first event win, this was the first saddle he had won. Henry works as a mule and horse trainer when he is not riding bulls and was extremely excited with this part of his winnings.
Announcer, Wade Grinager, and the humor of funnyman, Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson, along with sound provided by Waylon Perry were the driving forces that kept the crowd fired up all night long. The award-winning talents of Shawn never cease to amaze. This is not the first time LoriDee has heard Wade announce. She was impressed with his style before and Saturday just confirmed her respect for his talent. Good music and sound can make or break an event and the Hopkins should be commended for adding Waylon Perry to their production team. Cowboy protection was provided by bullfighters, Andy Thompson and Dusty Debout. Andy has been a member of Rodeo Attitude since it began and always does an outstanding job of cowboy protection. This was LoriDee’s first time to watch Dusty and she felt the two men worked very well together.
Stock contractor was Grand River Rodeo Company with the fighting bulls being provided by Double S Bull Company owned by Shad and Vicky Smith of Sidney, Iowa.
The fun didn't end with the bull riding. The Barn Dance with DJ, Cotton Creek, was not only well attended but also well organized. Everyone had a lot of fun just dancing and hanging out with friends. All in all the evening ended way too soon.
Rodeo Attitude was happy to be a part of this event. It was a FIVE STAR SUCCESS!
