Well known bullfighter to entertain at rodeo
By Heidi Desch, Western News Intern
A professional rodeo clown will be entertaining the crowd and fighting bulls at the Kootenai River Rodeo on Friday and Saturday, July 30-31.
Timber Tuckness, a world famous clown from Meeteetse, Wyo., has worked for 24 years in the rodeo business.
The bullfighter will perform during the PRCA rodeo as part of the 2004 Championship Rodeo Series presented by the PRCA and the Couer d¹Alene Casino.
Tuckness became a bullfighter because of his background in rodeo.
³It was real easy for me because I used to be a roughstock rider before,² he said.
Tuckness was All Around Cowboy in the College National Finals and twice the All Around Cowboy for the National High School Finals.
He also had a family connection to rodeo. Tuckness said both his grandparents and parents were involved in rodeo.
Tuckness said there are three basic jobs that all rodeo clowns have: one, to take care of the cowboys while they¹re riding; two, to entertain the crowd during lulls and three, to position himself to cause a bull to buck better thereby giving the rider a better score.
It¹s hard to deny that bullfighting is a dangerous profession but that doesn¹t stop Tuckness from getting back in the arena. He said he continues to do it because it feels good to hear the roar of the crowd and to help people.
³It¹s like that Garth Brooks¹ song (Rodeo),² he said. ³ŒIt¹s the roar of a Sunday crowd.¹²
After 24 years in rodeo, Tuckness has accumulated many honors in rodeo and has made several TV and film appearances. Winning awards is another reason that Tuckness said he continues to be a bullfighter.
His career highlights include two-time Black Hills Bullfighting Champion and two-time Coors World Finals Barrelman.
Tuckness¹s film and TV appearances include appearing on ³Good Morning, America,² ³MTV Rock and Jock Sports² and the Discovery Channel. He has also been in Coors Beer and Busch Beer commercials.
The rodeo begins at 6 p.m. both nights at J. Neils Memorial County Park.
Tickets for the Kootenai River Rodeo can be purchased at the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce or Timberline Auto Center. For more information call 293-4167.