Mendon, IL

“Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire!” Excitement filled the air on July 26th at the Adams County fairgrounds in Mendon, IL. Mike Gillums Outlaw Productions along with 5J Bucking Bucking bulls took the audience on a “Western Thrillride.” Pyrotechnics set the evening a blaze start to finish, from the sky, to the shoots and, even the center of the arena, fire was the theme of the night. I was truly honored to be a part of such a showstopping, jaw dropping event. The evening stared off with a bang, literally, from the center of the arena. The announcer, who was on horseback, got the audience on the edge of their seats with several explosive fireworks. From there we opened by introducing the cowboys, myself on a lovely 5J pickup horse named Goldey, followed by a beautiful flag presentation done by Mike Gillum’s daughter. Funnyman “Pork Chop” was at it again, dazzeling the crowd and, making them roll with laughter over his never ending antics. Which included a new “Fountain of youth/Time Machine act.” It was hilarious! My sides hurt from laughing so hard, but I won’t tell you how it ended, you’ll have to see for yourself. It was thrills and spills all evening long, with a special surprise for the audience, myself, and I’m sure some of the bullriders, in the short go. A line of fire was set in the middle of the arena from one side to the other, adding an extra challenge for the bullriders. Not only did they have to watch their backs for bulls but, now they had to avoid becoming “extra crispy” if you know what I mean. It was quite a sight to see and definitely a first for me. Luckily everyone made it through without a hitch and a few made the 8 second whistle. This was one evening that will be ”Burned into my Memory” for a long time to come.