BELVIDERE, Illinois - (August 1, 2018) – The most recognizable cowboy in the world, 4 time World Champion bull rider Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, is readying the Boone County Fair for the second stop of the Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series Midwest Swing. Tickets are on sale for only $10 for the newly created event produced by Next Level Bull Riding and sanctioned by Tuff Hedeman, will be held in conjunction with the Boone County Fair on August 10 and begin at 7:00 pm at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
“Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series is a 15-year bull riding tradition here and each year the fans and the sponsors and the entire Fair gets behind it - it’s a family friendly event and a great way to entertain the fairgoers who are big bull riding fans and are supporting the community, said Matt Noble.
“In addition to the great bull riding action we have something for everyone, the Mutton Bustin gets underway earlier in the day with the preliminary round, barrel racing, and don’t forget the great food where you can sample from the Boy Scouts baked potatoes, sweet corn from the Cosmopolitan Club and the fan favorite – the Fire Department’s home-made donuts,” Said Tom Ratcliffe, Marketing Director of the fair.
Chute boss and event commander Tuff Hedeman is one of the most recognizable cowboys in the history of rodeo. In recent years he has made a name for himself in the production of great bull riding events and for the first time on August 10, he is bringing his legacy of bull riding to Belvidere and the Boone County Fair.
This year’s event festivities will begin at 6:00 pm when the doors open and the first event is the final competition of the Mutton Bustin. Earlier in the day, the young ones will compete to determine the finalists and they will compete in front of the grandstand crowd. The pro bull riding action gets underway at 7:00 pm and expected to conclude at 9 pm. Bull riders will face a field of approximately 40 selected competitors for the lion’s share of the 7,500 added prize money.
The Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding Tour pits the industry’s elite riders against the best bulls in a two-round format featuring entertainment from the barrel, the cowboy lifesaver bullfighters Josh Jacobs and Caleb Osternryk, and the voice of the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding, Matt Palmer, who will provide play by play and color commentary from the announcer’s stand.
There are no guarantees in bull riding; the only way for cowboys to earn a paycheck is to ride better than the rest of the 40 man field. The field of competition begins with all attempting to ride one bull in the “long round”. The top 8 ride scores will advance to the championship round where they will battle for the prize money and trophy buckle.
In addition to lucrative prize money, bull riders accumulate points which qualify them for the Midwest Swing Finals to be held on September 15. At the end of the Midwest Swing, the bull rider who has the most points will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, Custom trophy saddle, and buckle.
TICKET INFORMATION - Link for more information to Boonecountyfair.com or by calling 815-544-2900. $10
Tickets available at the Box Office at Gate 1, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm or call (815) 547-4503. EVENT LOCATION: 8791 Illinois 76, Belvidere, Illinois 61008.
Media inquiries and interview requests available by calling or email – Thomasratcliffe@msn.com, 815-404-3059. Tuff Hedeman interviews or information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com – 940.902.1112. Bull Rider entries and inquires matt@nextlevelbullriding.com.
"WE ARE TALKING BREAKOUTS, BASHES...and BIG BUCKS"