Big thrills at bull bash

The second go brought double the patronage.

On Saturday, the second annual De Golyer Buckin’ Horse and Bull Bash battled extreme temperatures and a rowdy crowd at the Churchill County Fairgrounds.

The event, organized by Cody and Kristina De Golyer, pulled in about 2,000 spectators and raised $1,100 for Caninn Minor, who suffers from cystic fibrosis.

The rodeo, meanwhile, was a hit too as Fallon’s Billy Quillan and Jake Souza won the bullriding and mutton bustin’ events, respectively.

“We had a lot of good cowboys,” Cody De Golyer said. “It didn’t drag on … so you didn’t have to sit up there and wait for something to happen. Everyone really enjoyed it.”

The two-day event kicked off Friday with a concert featuring three bands and all-you-can-eat barbecue with about 200 in attendance, Cody De Golyer said.

But on Saturday, the event was hindered by temperatures over 100 degrees even as the De Golyer’s used misters and water slides to keep the masses cool.

Despite the rugged heat, the stands swelled as fans came out to watch cowboys and cowgirls hit the arena along with a rodeo clown show.

“The wild horse race was a huge hit,” De Golyer said. “We had great competitors … and the crowd was wild numerous times. We also had some tough kids in the steer riding.”

The event, meanwhile, is a fundraiser for the couple’s foundation, Cowboys and Cowgirls for Kids.

Doubling the turnout, however, was no easy task as the De Golyers saw attendance rise considerably. They pounded the pavement and upped their advertising game to reach a larger audience.

The result was a smashing success, as they added more entertainment, vendors, sponsors and activities for children.

“Everyone had a great time,” De Golyer said. “We were super packed. I think people are getting to know about it and starting to enjoy it.”

The two are now focusing on plans for next year’s rodeo. One lesson learned is watching the weather forecasts as Cody De Golyer said preliminary plans are to open the gates on the day of the rodeo later.

He said the crowd early in the day (noon to 4 p.m.) was lower than expected, but once the rodeo was about to begin is when the rush began.

In addition, the Friday concert may find itself on the chopping block as well. The event featured musical acts each day — Saturday’s was after the rodeo — which De Golyer said may be the best option moving forward.

“We will start later … and concentrate on the rodeo,” he added. “I want people to be able to make sure they can come in and have a good time.”

What will not change, the two have stressed over the past year, is the cost of admission. Only $5 for Saturday’s full slate was perhaps the biggest reason for such a large turnout, De Golyer said.

Not too mention easy access and no travel for local residents.

“I think people appreciate it’s only $5 to get in,” De Golyer added. “We are real excited about next year.”