Bulls, Broncos, and Clowns, Oh My!
Photo Credit/worldstoughestrodeo.com
Get ready to hold on tight, because the Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo, is about to take you on a wild ride like no other.
When you think “rodeo”, the first images that come to mind are bucking bulls and broncos, dirt arenas, and cowboy hats. But there is so much more to the World’s Toughest Rodeo than meets the eye.
Columbus Wired got to chat with Garrison Panzer, Production and PR Manager for the Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo, and learn all about it.
It should be no surprise that putting on a touring rodeo requires a level of logistics that boggles the mind. Just preparing the Nationwide arena floor requires a layer of rubber matting to protect the ice, followed by a layer of plywood, plastic wrap in certain parts, and 60 truckloads worth of dirt forming a competition area that is 12-18 inches deep layer.
The animals themselves are a selection of top tier horses and bulls in the rodeo world with many having been featured at the National Finals Rodeo, the pinnacle of rodeo competitions. A total of 50 plus animals requiring over 60 bales of hay for weekend feed, will do their best to knock off their riders in front of ruckus crowd.
While the rodeo competition is the center piece, there are additional entertainment acts taking place in between the competition events. One of those acts is by Loop Rawlins, who is described by Panzer as “one of the most versatile Western performers in the world today.” Rawlins’ part of the show looks to include trick rope, whip cracking, and fancy gun spinning. “He only comes out one time, but his job is to captivate the audience and give them a taste of what the old west and new west has become.”
World’s Toughest Rodeo will feature a best of the best entertainers in Cody Sosebee, 13 time PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) Clown of the year. And he is not your typical clown either. Sosebee has worked the crowds with his acts on the biggest stages engaging young and old with humor and wit during transitions. “His act is probably one of the funniest I’ve ever seen, and if you don’t thing it’s funny, you probably need to go to the doctor and get your self checked,” claims Panzer.
With doors opening at 6pm, there are additional features outside of the main action that promise to excite attenders of all ages, including chances to go on the arena dirt and take part in the pre-show. There will be pony rides, a tame bull that you can sit on and get your photo taken (yes, you read that correctly), and autograph sessions with some of the top names in the world of rodeo.
So, get yourself to Nationwide Arena on Saturday, February 18th and catch what will be a fun and exhilarating experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the duration. The main event starts at 7:30 pm, but be sure to come early and catch all the pre-show festivities. Tickets start at $23.