Cannon Falls Fourth of July Bullriding Rocks

Cannon Valley Fair in Cannon Falls, Minnesota celebrated its 6th Annual Extreme Bullriding Tour stop with as many "fireworks" in the arena as in the sky!  Despite the off and on rains throughout the day the sky cleared for the bull riding action.  The crowd really got its moneys worth in the Rodeo Attitude Short Go when the top bulls of the Double S Bull Company, owned by Shad and Vicki Smith of Sidney, IA, did their best to buck off the top 6 riders of the night.  The scores reflected the effort on both sides of the equation with Willy Rupp scoring a 91-point ride on 35 Western Recession, followed by an 89-point ride by Jimmy Twedt on 84 Sun Ray and an 88-point ride by Tyler Harr on 435 Chisom.  As any rider can tell you, you don't get those kind of scores unless the bull is doing his job!  The effort on the part of the bullriders gave Willy and Tyler a total score of 174 on two bulls and nice checks for $1299.78.  Jimmy's efforts gave him 3rd place and helped him stay in the running for the year-end championship.

The event featured many of the top riders of both the Bullriders of America (BOA) and the National Federation of Professional Bullriders (NFPB) but one rider was given special recognition by announcer, Troy Goodrich.  Willy Ropp, who is also a well-known member of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) had just returned from competing in the PBR World Cup and making a bull riding tour of Australia.  Willy is a member of the NFPB and competed on  the tour before joining the PBR.  As a member of the PBR he has competed on the prestigious televised PBR Built Ford Tough Series.  Willy is just one of many men in the PBR who are alumnus of the Extreme Bullriding Tour and their sanctioning bodies the BOA and the NFPB.

Highlights of the nights activities included a tribute to America and the American soldier.  Joining in the tribute were Paige and Cash Smith.  The daughter and son of Shad and Vicki Smith.  Just another example of how bull riding, even the production side of the sport, is a family affair.  Another highlight of the night was the special appearance of Miss NFPB, Rachael Burton,  Rachel has been a regular helping with the tour prior to earning her title Miss NFPB and it is with great pride that the Extreme Team is able to invite her back in an official capacity to represent the riders and members of the NFPB.

At every event Shad Smith selects the Bull of the Event.  For the third straight event 22 Radar has been selected for this honor.  Radar bucked his heart out with John Eddy bucking him off in the Rodeo Attitude Short Go.

The Junior Bull Riding has become a favorite part of the Extreme Bullriding Tour drawing both local talent as well as junior riders from across the Midwest.  One young man has been setting the standings on fire this year and while competing at Cannon Falls he achieved one of the highest score ever on the tour.  Gumpy Wren scored 85 points to win the event.

During intermission while the cowboys caught their breaths it was time for the local youth to have their turn in the arena as they competed in the crowd favorite - mutton bustin'!  As usual it brought cheers and applause from lots of proud parents, grandparents, family and friends as each young rider pitted their skills at staying atop a frisky sheep.

Photographer for the night was Ken Kershner of Foto Cowboy.  View his pictures at:  www.fotocowboy.com.