Buckin' of the Bulls for St. Jude

The sixth annual Buckin' of the Bulls for St. Jude Children's Hospital was held May 11 at Caraway. Merritt Emery, organizer of the event, expressed his appreciation to all of the sponsors, donations, and Hall Rodeo Co. of Ash Flat.

“Without them, the event would not be possible,” he said.

Children had the opportunity to win a cash prize participating in a foot race with an added trick – after making it to the finish line, they had to find their shoes, which were thrown around the arena, and make it back to the finish line.

Bull riders from seven states were represented with a second round for qualifying riders. The event champion was Casey Coulter.

Rodeo funny man “Pork Chop” kept the large crowd entertained.

A cooler was auctioned with all proceeds going to St. Jude. Darrin Owens was the top bidder.

Rob Smets, known professionally as The Kamikaze Kid, retired world champion bullfighter, was a guest speaker at the Buckin' of the Bulls. Smets, of Texas, has a bullfighting school. He retired after almost 30 years of saving the lives of bull riders ending his bullfighting career with numerous injuries including a broken neck three times. He offered a positive message to the rodeo fans in Caraway.