Stakes rise for 2009 Bull Bash

If Pamplona, Spain, has the “Running of the Bulls,” Springville, California, showcases the “Bashing of the Bulls.”

The Hot Summer Nights Bull Bash is returning to the town just off Highway 190 this Saturday with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. at Springville’s rodeo arena.

So far, 34 bull riders have thrown in their hats to enter the annual bareback bull-riding contest, often a rodeo’s most popular event. The winner’s purse climbs to a cool $4,000 this year after Cottonwood’s Keith Rocquemore took home $3,400 in prize winnings last summer.

Several participants in this year’s event, sponsored mainly by Table Mountain Casino, will be local, including Sam Matthews and possibly his brother, Evan, of Springville.

Diane Shew, a member of the board of Springville Sierra Rodeo Association, expects the turnout to be even greater than last August’s estimated crowd of 2,000.

“I think, with the economy, people are passing on the large vacations and staying home for the family events,” Shew said.

The price isn’t so bad, either, with children under 5 years old getting in free and youth ages 6-12 at $5 a pop. Ages 13 and older pay $10.

Shew and other members will be grilling up some tri-tip dinners, but she says the event will have a variety of food including nachos and snacks for those eating light.

“It’s a good deal,” Shew said. “The proceeds just help us to keep bringing back rodeos for next year.”

As for this year’s entertainment, kids will get to mimic the big boys by riding sheep in the Mutton Busting event shortly before the main event at 6:30 p.m.

Last year’s intermission show featured a knife-throwing couple from San Diego. This year’s specialty act will be a well-respected matador bull-fighter, while newly announced 2009 Springville Sierra Rodeo Queen Sonnie Shew will be in attendance.

A dance will follow the bull-riding portion, accompanied by music from Visalia-based Crossing Caldwell.