For a lot of people, the thought of riding a 2,000-pound bull might sound intriguing. Add a 2,000-pound bucking bull to the mix, and chances are you won't have many volunteers asking to hop on.
This is the part of rodeo that Dean "Brunky" Brunkhorst, a cowboy and professional bullrider, loves. The challenge, excitement, adrenaline - it all works together to draw him in. "I'm living the dream," he says.
Expect nothing less than thrills and bucking bulls at the St. Croix Valley Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo, June 26-27 at the St. Croix Valley Fairplex.
As the Barnes Rodeo company puts it, "It's not just a sport to us, it is our livelihood. Entertaining rodeo fans nationwide is the biggest thrill a family could ever ask for."
Friday is "Military Night" and includes a military appreciation ceremony at 7 p.m. Here, all five branches of the service will be recognized and honored, in addition to receiving a $2 discount off admission.
Following the ceremony, sweating in anticipation, real cowboys and cowgirls will take the stage as they compete in seven challenging events from bull riding to steer wrestling. Younger riders can get involved in the "Mutton Busting" competition.
Once your heart slows back to its normal pace, country band The Hillbilly Mafia will fill the fairplex with their unique blend of acoustic and electric sounds.
Saturday is "Family Day," which includes a petting zoo from Fantasy Corral, pony rides and a fireworks show following the rodeo.
Why a designated family day? It's something that's important to both the award-winning stock provider, Barnes Rodeo Company, and to the fairplex. "There is a long-standing tradition and expectation that events run at the St. Croix County Fairplex will be family oriented," explains Chris Libbey, president of Friends of the St. Croix County Fair.
"It is amazing and wonderful to see so many people working together for a universal cause," says Louise Jeske, co-chair for the St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo. "It's great to know that we've accomplished and fulfilled our mission to bring enjoyable entertainment."
Though one might not associate family with rodeos, it is a consistent theme with the PRCA. According to "cowboy code," a cowboy should help out his fellow teammates, "even though they might be competing for the same paycheck."
Brunkhorst, of Glenwood City, believes this wholeheartedly. "We are like a traveling brotherhood," he says. "We're supposed to do our best and help others do their best as well."
This type of support and learning is especially important when competing in such dangerous events with large horses and bulls. Brunkhorst acknowledges the danger, but still refuses to wear a helmet while performing. "It just doesn't fit my style of riding," he says.
Tickets for the rodeo are $13 for adults, $9 for kids (ages 5-12). Advanced tickets are available for less at stcroixcofair.com.
Got a case of rodeo fever? Check out these other venues this summer:
July 3-5 Mid-Western Rodeo in Manawa (on rodeo grounds)
July 9-11 Heart of the North Rodeo in Spooner (Washburn County Fairgrounds)
July 24-25 Great Midwest Pro Rodeo in Elkhorn (Walworth County Fairgrounds)
Aug. 8-9 York-Northfield Rodeo in York (York Ball Park)
Sept. 4-6 Great Northern Classic Rodeo in Superior (Head of Lakes Fairgrounds)
Sept. 4-6 Western Wisconsin Regional High School Rodeo in Holmen (Coulee Region Rider's Club)
