Rodeo stars headed to Mt. Hope for Bull Bash

How long is eight seconds? While it may be a couple blinks of an eye for some, for the thrill-seekers who climb on top of an enraged bull and try to ride it out for eight seconds, it can seem like a lifetime.

Physicality, strength, agility and stamina are what it takes to find success in the bull riding arena. There’s a reason they call it “the toughest sport on dirt.”

On Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, these performers of strength, will and fortitude will test their mettle during the 2024 Invitational Bull Bash at the Mt. Hope Event Center.

“People say riding a bull is the longest eight seconds there is,” promoter Josh Yutzy of Premier Western Sports said.

The two-day affair is being hosted by Kaycee’s Western, with the doors opening both evenings at 5:30 p.m. Inside the arena there will be nonstop action as the Bull Bash brings plenty of hard-driving competition for the fans.

Last year this event was a smashing success, a full house each night with loads of action.

Yutzy said the goal is to up the ante even more this year to bring a quality show to the fans, adding a large screen to show all the action on replay.

“We can’t do this event without the support of the local community, so we strive to create something special and memorable,” Yutzy said. “Our goal is to make this great family fun that is special for both the competitors and the fans. People don’t have to go out west to get a great rodeo experience. They can witness it in their own backyard.”

The two-day affair features a unique format. Yutzy has created a competition featuring eight four-member teams, with each team competing for the championship.

In creating the teams, Yutzy said he contacted eight individuals who would serve as leaders, and they could put together their own dream team of competitors, knowing the team leaders would be tapping into the finest talent out there.

“This format gives riders a better chance to compete for the championship, and it is a different format that I think people can really enjoy,” Yutzy said. “There’s a real respect among these top guys, and while they respect each other, they are ferocious competitors who want to win, so you know they’ll put on a great show.”

He said they treat the competitors and everyone involved in setting up and operating the show like kings because they respect their work, their effort and their attitude toward creating a great show.

“We want everyone involved to know they’re appreciated,” Yutzy said.

In addition to the team competition, there will be a mini-bull riding competition for youngsters between the age of 6 and 14.

Yutzy said it serves its purpose in getting younger people excited about the sport while giving them a chance to showcase their own set of skills.

“Let’s give these young bucks a chance to see how they do,” Yutzy said. “It may look easy, but there’s nothing easy about it.”

Yutzy has promoted events like this all over Ohio and Indiana, and he said it is a privilege to bring it to his home area.

“So many people around here love this sport, and I don’t think they’re going to see anything else like it around here,” he said. “Mt. Hope Event Center is a great facility. It’s family fun, the pyrotechnics add some real pizzazz and the action in the arena is incredible.”

Another addition to the show is Josh Garrett, better known as “Porkchop” on the circuit.

Porkchop is renowned as the biggest little man in Western sports, a true artist in the ring who brings laughter and joy to the event with his zany antics and quick wit.

“He’s an incredibly funny and talented entertainer,” Yutzy said.

While the action will be fast and furious, there will be food vendors onsite with plenty of good eats to keep fans sated and hungry for more action.

Tickets are available now at Kaycee’s, 8261 state Route 241, or online at www.PremierWesternSports.com. VIP seats are $50, premium seats are $35 and general admission tickets are $25. Children age 3 and under are free. Ticket prices are $35 at the door for general admission.

Anyone with questions may call 330-275-5938. Mt. Hope Event Center is located at 8076 state Route 241 in Mt. Hope.