LINN — The Linn Lions Club will host its first annual Bull Bash on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Linn Lions Club Fairgrounds. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with bull-riding beginning at 8.

According to Linn Lions Vice-President Andy Dudenhoeffer, the Bull Bash is a rodeo featuring only bucking bulls. “So there’s not going to be any horses, no calf-roping, no steer-wrestling,” he said. “It’s just bulls bucking cowboys. I think that’s what people go to rodeos to see, for the most part — to see the bulls and to see the cowboys ride the bulls — so that’s what I really wanted to drive home, for the entertainment factor.”

The event is anticipated to last approximately two hours or a little longer. “So far, there are 24 cowboys signed up to ride bulls,” said Dudenhoeffer.

Jackson Bull Company of Mansfield is providing the bulls. Owner Clint Jackson is the President of the National Federation of Professional Bullriders, which was founded in 1995 by Jackson and Frank Walkowe. “(Clint) is bringing over 40 bucking bulls,” Dudenhoeffer said. The Linn Loins Club has also provided $5,000 in added cash to help bring in the best bull riders from across the country.

There will be 13 vendors on site, offering pork rinds, kettle corn, jewelry, snow cones, western wear, freeze-dried treats, pizza, fresh-squeezed lemonade, homemade ice cream, and face painting. After the bull riding, “Twisted Fate,” a five-person classic rock band from Sedalia, will play until approximately 12:30 am. Their repertoire also includes some country, 90s, and popular music.

The Bull Bash, organized primarily by Dudenhoeffer and fellow Lions Club member Colby Peters, was conceived as a way to bring in additional funds for fairground improvements and to help with community needs. “Every month, we have organizations asking for donations, and I don’t think we’ve ever said no,” Dudenhoeffer said. “We contribute a large amount to the community, and this will allow us to give back in a larger capacity than we’ve ever been able to do before because we’re hoping to make some money on this event.”

The Bull Bash cost around $30,000 to organize, with funds provided by 32 local sponsors. “It’s really nice that the community is giving back, and they see an importance in this event like we do,” Dudenhoeffer said.

Peters added that the Lions Club might not have put on the event without the sponsorship because the organization would have been hesitant to gamble so much money on a single event.

“We (also) have several members that have volunteered significant time keeping the grounds up throughout the summer and for this event,” Dudenhoeffer said, “to keep it looking nice and for the event itself. (That) doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s something that takes time and planning and a little bit of dedication to keep it going and (looking) nice.”

As part of their fundraising efforts, the Lions will also raffle off a Remington 700 BDL .270 and a Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP 6.5 PRC With Vortex Crossfire II 3-9X40 Scope. Raffle tickets are $10 and can be purchased before the event at Lee Outdoors in Linn. Tickets will also be available for purchase at concession stands and beer gardens during the event. The drawing will take place during the concert after the rodeo, and the winners do not have to be present to win.

Reduced-price pre-sale tickets for the Bull Bash can be purchased at Legends Bank, Mid America Bank, and Linn Thriftway. Pre-sale tickets cost $12 for adults (13+) and $3 for kids 6 - 12. At the gate, tickets will be $15 for adults and $5 for children. Children under 5 get in free, along with State Tech students, faculty, and staff (with a current ID).

Parking for the event will be located within the fairgrounds, using the gate by the 4H barns. Overflow parking will be available at State Tech. A pedestrian gate will be located across from the college.

The Linn Lions Club is committed to making sure only those of legal age drink at the event. To that end, all persons wishing to drink will have their IDs checked at the entrance to the beer gardens. Those of legal age will receive a wristband. Anyone without a wristband will not be permitted to buy or drink alcohol during the event. Several off-duty law enforcement officers have also been hired to help with security and watch for underage drinking. “It wasn’t cheap to hire those off-duty officers,” said Peters, “and those funds were provided by the Osage County ADCAT (Anti-Drug Community Action Team).”

No outside alcohol will be permitted.

The Linn Lions Club plans to make this an annual event and hopes that this year’s success will provide a springboard for an even larger event next year. “As long as everything goes well this year,” Peters said, “we will have it again next year, and it may be a two-day event. Hopefully, it will be bigger and better.”