There was severe weather all around Sedalia on Friday, August 18th but the weather was just perfect at the Dodge Arena at the Missouri State Fair. The bulls enjoyed the weather and gave not only the riders a ride they would not soon forget but those in the stands got a night of entertainment they won’t forget either. Bulls from not one but three contractors and riders with resumes that used the word champion a whole lot made for an exciting night of bull riding. Announcer, Chris Pyle and funnyman, Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson were no strangers to working together and their performances meshed together perfectly. The riders got extra protection with not two but three of the top bullfighters the Midwest has to offer. Smiley Todd Pettigrew was the hometown hero, Jared Llama has worked ties event for the fast eleven years and it is no coincidence that he is always asked back. The third bullfighter was Jeremy Muntz of Manhattan, Kansas, one of the top freestyle bullfighters who has turned his knowledge of freestyle bullfighting into outstanding cowboy protection.
Spectators were treated to not one but two special entertainment treats. First, there was a special appearance by country entertainer, Mark Keaton of Nebraska. They were then treated to an expatiation on the trampoline by Todd and Tammy Crase of White Buffalo Productions sons, Colby and Weston Crase on the trampoline. The Crase brothers have won numerous state and national titles in gymnastics. Bull riding fans held their breath as they thrilled them with their skills on the trampoline.
Friday night fans witnessed the long over due recognition of Todd Crase and Mark Ficken for their foresight in founding Rodeo Attitude which has over the last decade became the largest networking program within the Western industry. The Rodeo Attitude Network has become the ultimate tool for fans, personnel and athletes to interact with each other world wide.

On Saturday afternoon several of the production team and riders made a special appearances at Jean's Boots and Hats for am autograph signing at 11 AM until 1 PM/

The skies were threatening once again on Saturday night but there was no rain and those in the stands not only didn’t get wet but they once again saw an outstanding show. James Crider was awarded the opportunity to ride the B & W Bounty Bull for $ 3,500.00. James bucked off LV of Double S Bull Company. Shad Smith was awarded the $ 250.00 Stock Contractor Bonus.

The Reuben Detweiler Memorial Award Frontier Trophy Belt Buckle was awarded to Reuben's long time friend Danny Gingerich. Danny owns and operates Midwest Builders of Jamesport, Missouri. The Dodge Championship Average Frontier Trophy Belt Buckle went to Jeremy Miller for having the highest combine score for the weekend.

Without a doubt the biggest highlight of the night was the "retirement" ride of Stacy Doss. Stacy has been a stable to Missouri and Midwestern bull riding for as long as I can remember. He retired as a rider at the event he had attended each year in front of his home state crowd. He had always wanted a chance to ride the famous bull Vegas Nights but had never drawn him. Shad Smith surprised Stacy by bringing the bull and for the final ride of the night, after competition was over, Stacy Doss entered the chutes for the last official ride of his career on the back of Vegas Nights. The chute opened, the crowd cheered and 8 seconds clicked by on the clock. Stacy's final ride was a full 8 seconds! As the legendary Missouri bull rider dismounted for the final time the air was filled with not just his cowboy hat but those of his friends and fellow riders as the fans in the stands literally went wild. Anyone witnessing the scene and hearing the roar of the crowd would have believed that Stacy had just won a world title. Maybe in a way he did. What more can we ask from a career than the love and respect of our peers? Memories beat a gold buckle any day!

Is it any surprise that the 12th Annual Dodge Championship Bullriding is already set for next year!