brings the thunder to Gallup for 33rd show
By Cody Begaye
Contributing Editor
Can you feel it? A slight surge in the air? As we turn the calendar to July, that can mean only one thing in Gallup: it’s almost time for WildThing Championship Bullriding.
Every year for over 30 years now, locals and tourists have flocked to Red Rock Park to witness the “Number One Open Bullriding in the Southwest” where some of the sharpest riders around face off against the biggest bulls on the market.
This year, WildThing runs July 10-11. Organizer Larry Peterson spoke to the Sun June 29 about the excitement for the upcoming show.
“We’re all working hard to get it all put together,” Peterson said. “A lot of work goes into it, months and months and months of planning. But [our team] is gearing up to do it all and bring the wildest shows we can.”
THE BULLS & RIDERS
The fierce bucking bulls and the steely riders have been the main draw of WildThing since the beginning. The open nature of the show means that any rider who meets the entry qualifications can enter, which allows for a wide swath of participants of varying levels.
“We’ve got a good mix coming. We took all the entries, a lot of riders. We’ve got some of the top Navajo riders from around the entire area,” Peterson said. “We have riders from Texas, South Dakota, North Carolina, Arizona, and [as far as] Australia.”
The open entries for WildThing occurred June 24-25. The total estimated purse for winning riders is about $30,000, with the top rider claiming $10,000 and a champion buckle produced by Red Bluff Buckles. Aside from one repeat winner and a 2020 cancelation, each WildThing has seen a new champion crowned for the past decade.
But while the riders bring their breadth of experience and backgrounds, the pedigree for the bulls being brought in is equally exciting, Peterson said.
“These are some of the best bucking bulls in the world. We have our main contractor 4B Bucking Bulls, Owen Washburn, Flying S,” he said. “Some of these same bulls go onto the National Finals Rodeo and PBR shows. They are as good as bulls you’ll see anywhere.”
THE REST OF THE SLATE
The other WildThing staple events remain on the schedule this year, many of which are the result of the show’s sponsors. These provide a nice breather from the intensity of the bulls and riders.
Firstly, there is the competition between the six Champion Wooly Riders who, as Peterson always likes to point out, all won their way in. On both nights, guests will get to watch the new crop of little champions compete for their own top prize.
Also on both nights is the tense crowd-favorite Cowboy Poker. Described as the “World’s Wildest Card Game,” it features the players matching wits with both each other in a game of cards as well as the large bull that circles them the whole time.
Then of course, one of the biggest draws is the fireworks spectacular that lights up the skies over Red Rock Park. Peterson has said previously the fireworks go off no matter what happens.
“We’ve got a fantastic announcer. We’ve got a great funnyman and entertainers and bull fighters,” Peterson said. “The whole team is fantastic.”
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Leading up to the event, Peterson highlighted the biggest benefactors of WildThing: the Manuelito Children’s Home, located at 12 Theta St. west of Gallup along with the onsite Gallup Christian School.
“We’ve been the biggest fundraiser of Manuelito Children’s Home for 25 years now,” Peterson said. “They have our parking and concessions. It’s outstanding.”
As discussed in previous Sun articles, the funds raised during the event allow the school to purchase new clothes and supplies for their children ahead of the upcoming school year. Then there are other fall activities and weather to prepare for not long after that. While there are numerous fundraisers and other events that the school hosts throughout the year, both home staff as well as Peterson agree that WildThing is their biggest opportunity.
By coming out to the show, the community gives their support to the home. This feeling of success drives Peterson amid all the challenges they face putting the event together.
“I love the fact that people enjoy the show as much as they love coming to it,” he said. “We have a great team. It’s all a long uphill push. It never gets any easier, but I love the crowd having a great time.”
FINAL REMINDERS
Similar to every year, Peterson wants guests to remember several key points when they attend WildThing:
There are no ATMs onsite, and the cellular service is not good enough for card transactions. Guests should bring cash for parking, concessions, merchandise, etc.
Items such as coolers, folding chairs, umbrellas, backpacks, and large bags are not permitted.
Bringing dogs and other pets is not permitted or advised. The large crowds and sounds from the show including the fireworks can upset the animals.
WildThing always has been and always will be a nonalcoholic show.
Tickets went on sale July 1 at Castle Furniture, T&R C-Store, and T&R Feed. Advance tickets for adults run $28 for July 10 and $33 for July 11, while child tickets are $8 for both days. The price at the gate will increase to $35 for adults and $10 for children.
For more information on WildThing, including full ticket and sponsor information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wildthing.bullriding/.
