People tend to do a little something extra for that special anniversary.
Organizers of the 10th annual Fremont Bull Riding Classic aren't any different. But this special event won't be of the bovine nature.
It's not the mutton busting for the kiddies.
Sure, bull riding, bull fighting and funny man acts will be the main attractions — and mutton busting will be available for children 8 and under — but there will be something unique during each performance on April 2 and 3 to celebrate the 10th annual production.
"We'll be having ostrich races this year," said Renee Bittner of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. "The world's wildest cowgirls will be racing — and usually falling off — the ostriches."
She said to expect the unexpected when the two female racers jump on and try to ride the ostriches from their chutes at one end of the heated indoor arena at Christensen Field to the other. Once they've reached the other side — at speeds of up to 35 mph — the rider will attempt to do a riding dismount off the birds that can weigh up to 300 pounds.
That's when the fun really begins, Bittner said. The rider then must get the ostrich out of the arena and back into their chutes. The first team to cross the finish line is the winner.
"They have to ride it, then yank it back," Bittner said.
"These birds are dangerous — they spin, they buck and they charge. Anything goes."
The birds can be dangerous for the cowgirls — their kick and their peck can kill, Bittner said.
Bittner said she just secured "The Coyotes" from Mediapolis, Iowa, to ride the ostriches.
"This is the first time we've ever had ostriches," she said. "This is our 10th anniversary and we wanted to find something unique and exciting.
"The response I've had is outstanding — the people I've talked to are very excited," Bittner said. "The only way to describe this act is hilarious."
The bull events, ostrich riding and mutton busting take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Christensen Field heated indoor arena. A dance featuring Hannah McNeil and Rebel Heart starts at 9 p.m. in the multi-purpose building on the grounds.
Tickers are $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger if purchased in advance. Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $6 for children. All tickets include the bull riding event and the dance.
"All of the proceeds go directly back into Christensen Field," Bittner said.
In the past, the proceeds have been used to improve the outdoor arena, for portable chutes and pens for the indoor arena, a towable bleacher, concrete pads at the ends of the pole barns, the poly-vinyl fencing around the complex and heating the arena, which makes it useable year-round. The current project is new lighting for the outdoor arena.
"We've raised approximately $270,000 in nine years," Bittner said. "We can sell 1,500 tickets each night and hope we can be successful this year too."
Tickets are available at Hy-Vee Food Store, both locations of Don Peterson & Associates, Franky & Oly's Beef & Brew, the Arlington Veterinary Clinic, Wolf Brothers Western Store in Omaha and Dick's Western Wear in Omaha.
For more information, call 721-2641.
Classic Facts
*What: 10th annual Fremont Bull Riding Classic.
*When: 7:30 p.m. April 2 and 3.
*Tickets: $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and young in advance; $10 for adults and $6 for children at the gate. Tickets are available at Hy-Vee Food Store, both locations of Don Peterson & Associates, Franky & Oly's Beef & Brew, the Arlington Veterinary Clinic, Wolf Brothers Western Store in Omaha and Dick's Western Wear in Omaha.
*Information: Call 721-2641.
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