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The annual Wild Thing Bull Riding Championships aren’t just about bull riding.
It’s the 30th anniversary of a prestigious event for the whole family to celebrate. The two-day event will take place Friday at Red Rock Park, with performances starting at 8 p.m. each night.
Navajo Times | Sharon Chischley
A rider battles it out in the 2022 Wild Thing Championship bullfight in Church Rock, New Mexico, as the annual event returns Friday for its 30th anniversary.
Wild Thing promoter Larry Peterson said the popular event pits top bull riders against top bulls from stock contractor Sammy Andrews Rodeo Company, Owen Washburn and the 4B Bucking Bulls.
Although the actual bull riding is the main attraction, the extravaganza offers plenty of entertainment for non-riding enthusiasts as well.
“While our bull riding has come off the hook, not everyone is a bull riding fan,” Peterson said. “We still have a lot to offer including big fireworks, furry rides, cowboy poker, top-notch announcers, music, burlesquers and the pre-game preparation that we do.
“All of this provided us with impromptu, wild, brilliant entertainment,” he added. “You don’t have to be a bull riding fan to enjoy this show.”
Peterson said his crew has been busy the past few weeks preparing for the show, which is expected to draw a large audience.
“All of our Wild Thing crew work really hard,” Peterson said. “One of the things I’m most proud of is that we became the biggest fundraiser for the Manuelito Children’s Home. They’ve been a part of it from the beginning and I’m proud to help them because people forget about the Children’s Home there .”
Since the City of Gallup forgoes its Fourth of July fireworks display this year, fireworks lovers can watch a state-of-the-art display at Wild Thing.
“The city hasn’t been there for three years,” Peterson said. “We had the same pyrotechnics people that had to stop years ago. I started looking and found a new company to do our shows.
“I looked at 17 companies and found one that came here and continued to do what Wild Things did,” he added.
Peterson said this year’s pit bull rider entries included some returning champions.
“We’re bringing Robertson Cody back,” said the “Wild Thing” promoter. “He’s a two-time champ. He caught me, and he hasn’t ridden a bull in a long time.”
It is not known when Cody last competed in the Wild Thing, but he was the 2004 and 2005 event winner.
“He’s coming back and he’s going to work hard again,” Peterson said.
Two-time champion Lane Nobles and 2019 champion Cody Jesus will also make appearances.
“Cody Jesus will be riding Friday night,” Peterson said. “We also have Robbie Taylor Jr., the defending (INFR) world champion.”
Other notable riders include professional bull rider Junior Patrik Souza and 2002 PBR World Champion Ednei Caminhas.
“We’ve got some top guys coming, but we’ve got a lot of other good drivers from Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma and all the diners,” Peterson said. “We have some players from the north, so we have a good squad.”
They also hired a new comedian, Colt Hart, Peterson said.
“He’s from the far east,” Peterson said. “He lives about an hour from the sea, and I think he’s going to be really good. I think a lot of people are going to be very inspired by him.”
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary, Petersen stated that they will launch a Wild Thing collectible coin.
“I don’t know of any rodeo or bull riding that has ever done this,” Peterson said. “We got that and a bunch of new clothes. The children’s home made a big concession. Everything will be fine.”
Those planning to attend the event please note that backpacks, coolers and folding chairs are not permitted at this non-alcoholic event.
Peterson also noted that dogs are not allowed inside.
“There were too many people and the fireworks were too loud,” he said. “It scared them to death.”
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