By: Blake Moren, CTCN correspondent

The Swanson Memorial Bull Riding event will begin raising funds for scholarships at 6 pm, Oct. 26, at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center’s indoor arena. It is a rodeo-style event.

This will be the fourth year of the event and will pay tribute to Rowdy Swanson. Rowdy passed away in 2020 in a bull riding accident at a PRCA rodeo in Mineral, TX. Swanson was also a member of the OSU Rodeo Team.

Jarrel Swanson, Rowdy’s father, said they need sponsorships. The sponsorship opportunities include $2,000 (presenting sponsorship), $1,000 (gold sponsorship), $500 (silver sponsor), and$200 (Rowdy Friend Sponsor).

2024 will be the first year this event takes place at the Stephens County Arena. There will be vendors at the event. Gizmo Cracken, winner of the 2017 PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, will also be presented.

The entry fee for bull riders is $100. This year, they will have a shark cage in the middle of the arena.

“All of our representing sponsors, which is a $2,000 sponsorship, get a seat inside that shark cage,” Swanson said. “They are going to get to sit in the middle of the arena in the shark cage.”

Swanson said those who have never petted a bull or been around a bull will have an opportunity to do both with a retired bucking bull. This bull will be in a pen where you can sit on him, pet him, and take photos. After the bull riding event, the audience will be treated to a free concert.

Tickets bought in advance cost $8 for adults and kids above the age of six cost $5. At the gate, adult tickets cost $10, and for the kids it costs $5. Children under five will have free entry.

Tickets can be bought in advance at 3 Lakes Feed and Supply, Comanche Seed and Grain, and Great Plains Kubota.

For additional information, go to their Facebook page or email jarrelswanson@gmail.com. The County Fair and Expo Center is at 2002 S. 13th St., Duncan.