COMEBACK FOR FORMER RODEO CLOWN-BULLFIGHTER, GEORGE DOAK
Never underestimate the determination of a rodeo clown – bullfighter when they are invited to return to the arena. George Doak began his twenty-some year career as a bullfighter and comedy clown in 1957 at Cowtown, New Jersey, located in Woodstown. The Harris family has been operating this summer weekend rodeo for three generations and have always had a good eye for top talent. They spotted George, at the beginning of his funnyman career, and ‘launched’ him. After his Cowtown start George was in demand all over the country.
Recently barrelman, Marvin Nash, who had been the laugh-getter at Cowtown’s Saturday night rodeo, got injured and in jest called George to see if he wanted to take his place. The memories began gathering in George’s mind, and when Grant Harris, the New Jersey guru of Cowtown contacted George and invited him back for the 4th of July celebrations at both rodeos before and after the 4th (which falls on a Wednesday) George just couldn’t resist. He does admit he won’t get near the barrel. “A barrel can get you hurt real bad,” he said. George is driving from his home in Katy, Texas, to New Jersey, and picking up senior member of the Harris clan, Howard Harris, who lives in Oklahoma. Harris said, “George, we’ll stop and see a couple old cowboy friends and borrow some ‘gas money’ on the way.”
Armed with his rubber chicken George has various acts that were popular during his hey day and will be entertaining Cowtown spectators June 30th and July 7th. In spite of his knees that gave way years ago George will don his makeup andthe baggy britches and green hat that were his trademark. It is only fitting that this Hall of Famer get back in that arena and re-kindle the fire! If you are in the vicinity of Woodstown, New Jersey, on those dates don’t miss it.
It has been exactly fifty years since George began his illustrious career in that arena. He was called the ‘perfectionist bullfighter’ because he made it look effortless. He had a way of bullfighting that always made it look like the bull was the winner . . . . burlesque with the bull. During his career George work PRCA rodeos from New Jersey to Kissimmee, Florida to Madison Square Garden, NY, to British Columbia, Fort Worth, Pendleton RoundUp, The National Finals Rodeo and too many to mention. He also worked both college and high school finals and enjoyed his interaction with the young cowboys.
Fifty years later the desire to enter the arena is still smoldering in the heart of the legendary funnyman and bullfighter, George Doak. Good luck!!!!
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