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Legacy Ford Buckout returnsJul 31, 2013 (The Observer - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Annual bull riding event will take place at Mavericks Arena The Legacy Ford Buckout is returning to the Mavericks Arena for the third year Friday night. The event will feature 35 of some of the best bull riders around, including some talented up-and-comers, according to Baker City's Clint Johnson, who founded the event. "It's looking really good," Johnson said. "Every year we do this it gets a little easier." Johnson said that highlighting the bull riding this year is Summerville's Cody Campbell, who won the Legacy Ford Buckout's inaugural event. Campbell is currently the No. 7 bull rider in the world rankings with earnings of $58,940 this year. Also returning is last year's Legacy Ford Buckout champion, Mike Sparks. Allen Helmuth, who was in the top 20 of the world standings last year in the PRCA, will be in attendance. Joe Meling, who won Chief Joseph Days last weekend, will also ride Friday. Johnson said this year's event will feature three young bull riders who are just starting to make a name for themselves in the sport. Rosco Jarbo, who won the Ed Miller Extreme Bull Riding in Union in June, will ride, as will Derek Kolbaba and Cody Hudson. "We have a lot of young talent," Johnson said. The bull riders will compete for a purse of $7,000. This year's bulls will be provided by three stock contractors. Gold Buckle Rodeo Co. out of Roosevelt, Wash., 2 Bucks Rodeo Co. from Powell Butte and Keith Garber of Powell Butte will bring their best stock to town. "They have some excellent bulls," said Johnson, who himself is a bull rider. "That's the advantage of being a bull rider. I get a chance to get to know a lot of bulls." Like last year, there will also be a group of steer riders in attendance, according to Johnson. "We have a full group if they all show up," he said. Johnson said that one of the reasons for the high expectations for this year's event is that it isn't competing with two other Northwest rodeos. A problem that hurt the outcome of last year's Buckout. "Neither rodeo is going on this year, so that has really helped," Johnson said. The cost to attend Friday's event is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Kids 6 year old and younger can get in free. Contact Casey Kellas at 541-975-3351 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Follow Casey on Twitter @lgoKellas. ___ (c)2013 The Observer (La Grande, Ore.) Visit The Observer (La Grande, Ore.) at www.lagrandeobserver.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |