Spiker Farms Bull Ride showcases national riders in Jane Lew
JANE LEW, W.Va. (WBOY) — While many associate championship bull riding with states like Texas or Arizona, the sport is very much alive and thriving in the heart of the Mountain State.
Spiker Farms, located just outside Jane Lew, hosted the opening night of its highly anticipated annual Championship Bull Ride on Friday evening. This growing tradition, which began as a grassroots effort by a member of the Spiker family, has evolved into a premier regional event drawing professional bull riders from across the United States.
Around 20 riders competed on Friday, each testing their skill and grit against some of the toughest bulls in the circuit.
'We're putting on a high-quality event with good riders, good bulls, there's a lot of options and things for kids to do, good vendors. And they've just got something right in their back door, they can come and have a good time,' the Arena Director John Spiker
Organizers said the event continues to expand in both attendance and reputation each year, with the Spiker family proud to carry on a tradition that blends sport, community, and Appalachian heritage. In addition to the main event, attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with fresh sweet corn and a variety of family-friendly activities designed to entertain guests of all ages.
'My job is to entertain the crowd, keep them involved, make sure they're having a good time. Anytime there is a lull moment or dull moment where the bull may lay down or something may happen, it's my job to step in and fill in that time span,' a Rodeo Clown at Spiker's Farm, Brett Carpenter, said. 'You know, if we can take someone for an hour and half, hour forty-five minutes, and make them laugh and forget about their time at home or forget about some bad times, that's more of why were out here.'
If you missed Friday's action, there's still time to experience the excitement. The second night of the Championship Bull Ride will take place Saturday at 7 p.m. at Spiker Farms.
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