Cowboys And Bulls Bash It Out At Kelly’s

Dozens of cowboys from here and yonder will wrestle with the bulls Friday and Saturday at the Bull Bash at Kelly’s Rodeo Arena (behind Kelly’s Grand Ole Opry) in State Line, Idaho.

No, we don’t mean the NBA champion Chicago Bulls. We’re talking real bulls!

The two-day event, which commands a purse of $11,000, will feature saddle-bronc riding, bareback riding and bull riding.

Plus, there will be a “Wild Ride” in which saddle-bronc riders will attempt to pull off the “wildest,” “corniest” and “most ridiculous” ride. That event will carry a separate purse.

“The biggest thing people don’t realize, they feel if it’s not held in Spokane at the (Arena), it’s not going to be as professional and it’s not going to be as big of an event,” says Bull Bash promoter Vickie Atkins. “Kelly’s Rodeo Arena is a professional rodeo arena. We have the same or better riders and as good or better stock.”

Many of the riders compete in pro rodeos across the country. And the stock comes from the same company, Gil’s Rodeo, that provided the animals for the April Bull Bash at the Spokane Arena.

Kelly’s has two more Bull Bash events planned for July and August.

The livestock will start bucking at 7 both nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth 12 and under and are available at all G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or at Kelly’s. All seats are general admission.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Staff illustration by Molly Quinn