Rodeo to kick off Linn County Fair Friday night

MOUND CITY-- A PRCA Rodeo kicks off the 2007 version of the Linn County Fair -- the self proclaimed "World's Largest Little County Fair and Rodeo" -- here Friday night. The annual fair continues through Aug 18.

"We aren't the oldest or the biggest, but no one has challenged our claim of 'World's Largest Little County Fair and Rodeo'," Linn County Fair Board President Danny Troth said with a grin. "Actually, we are quite proud that our small county (population 9,600) can present such a well rounded fair with a strong 4-H show, first class carnival and variety of night shows. Nearly every family and every business in the county is involved some way. It wouldn't happen otherwise."

"The biggest news about the rodeo is our increased prize money for the contestants and a top notch rodeo clown, Cody Sosebee, that will be one of our features," rodeo co-chairman, Roger Carbon said. "We were able to increase our committee purse from $4,200 to $9,450 thanks to several new sponsors joining our fair plus good attendance in recent years. And it has paid off as our entries are up nearly 40 contestants over last year."

Sosebee, who hails from Charleston, Ark., was nominated by the PRCA for the 2006 Clown of the Year award. Joining Sosebee will be John Harrison of Soper, Okla., who was recognized by the PRCA as one of the top four specialty acts of 2006.

Other features for the 61st annual rodeo include bullfighters Sam Gress, Hutchinson, and Wade Kunz, Alva, Okla. Gress, a two-time World Champion Bull fighter, will be featured in a free-style bullfighting exhibition both nights of the rodeo.

Scott Grover, Salina, will announce the rodeo for the third year. Rumford Rodeo Company, Abbyville, and Circle A Ranch, Guthrie, Okla., will furnish the bucking stock and produce the rodeo.

Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., the number two ranked tie-down roper in the PRCA, heads the list of contestants from ten states who are entered in the rodeo. The Heartland Twisters Mounted Drill Team from southeast Kansas will also perform at the rodeo.

The Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull has added the alcohol-burning Light (6000 lb.) Super Stock class to the show this Sunday.

"These boys get wild and crazy and will definitely be a crowd thriller," tractor pull chairman Brent Paddock said.

Other classes include pro-stock 4x4 trucks, pro-stock tractors and the multi-engine modified tractors.

"Our pull has once again received Regional National ranking in the Outlaw Pulling Association and will attract competitors from Texas to Illinois and Indiana," Paddock said.

The LoCash Cowboys, a new country/rock band from Nashville, Tenn., will be the feature on Wednesday.

"The fact that the LoCash Cowboys are represented by Buddy Lee Attractions says a lot about their potential," music show chairman Dave Berglund said. "The Buddy Lee group is the oldest and largest booking agency in Nashville and associated with over 50 of the top country performers."

Returning to the fair line up this year will be the Tuff Truck Competition Aug. 17.

"The Tuff Trucks, one of the newest events in motor sports, were added last year and was an instant hit," Tuff Truck committeeman Kelly Carbon said. "We are expecting a lot of big trucks, big tires and big jumps."

The final event for the 2006 fair will be the demolition derby Aug. 18, featuring a $1,000 first place payoff and more than $3,000 in total prize money.

"Our derby doesn't conflict with any in the region this year, so we are expecting another good one," Demolition Derby Chairman Dave Berglund said.

Pride Amusements will be on the midway beginning Wednesday. Exhibit judging in 4-H and other classes continues throughout the week.

For a compete fair schedule, go to www.linncountyfair.net.