Incredi-Bull Riding Blowout and Libby Arenacross this weekend

By ERIKA KIRSCH Western News Editor

It will be a weekend of riding of varying degrees starting Saturday with the first of its kind, the Incredi-Bull Riding Blowout.

The Incredi-Bull Riding Blowout will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at J. Neils Memorial County Park.

With the intent of becoming an annual event, the Incredi-Bull Riding Blowout started this year as a scholarship fundraiser for local students. Forty top bull riders from Montana, Idaho, Alberta and Wyoming are expected to compete in the event, according to event organizer and retired bull rider P.J. Morrison. Morrison retired from bull riding in February.

"I've always wanted to put on an event like this," Morrison said.

There are currently 38 riders signed up for the event. There will also be a miniature bull riding event. Participants will have the opportunity to ride a miniature bull approximately 42-46 inches tall, Morrison said. Local Mitch Haugen, 12, won the Kootenai River Rodeo last year in the miniature bull riding event. Haugen will be participating this year at the Incredi-Bull Riding Blowout, Morrison said.

Participants will be competing for $10,000 in prize money. There will also be a 20-minute fireworks display following the main event. A beer garden, concessions and entertainment by Morrison's band 8 Seconds Flat, a country rock band, will be available at the event.

Money raised by the event will go toward a scholarship for local high school graduates interested in rodeo or natural resources, Morrison said.

Tickets are available in advance for $10 or at the gate for $12. Admission is free for children 6 and under. Tickets are available at Homesteaders Ranch & Feed Supply, Cabinet Mountain Chevrolet, the Ranch Hand in Eureka and Troy's Booze N'Bait.

Montanore Minerals Corp. is the event sponsor and Lincoln County Credit Union is sponsoring the fireworks show.

The 6th Annual Libby Arenacross will take place this Sunday at the Millpond Motocross track. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the racing action starts at 2 p.m.

"Our parents started it for us kids," said Andy Remp, event organizer.

Currently, 35 riders have signed up for the event, however "the day of the race we expect a lot more," Remp said. Remp expects approximately 150 riders to participate, with the youngest being 4 years old.

There will be regular class racing, categorized into ages and bikes from "peewees at 50 cc's on up to 450 cc's," Remp said. A Dash For Cash will also take place for the professional riders, he said. Approximately $2,500 in prize money will be available for the professional riders.

Thus far, 20 local riders will be participating in the Arenacross. There are also riders from Kalispell; Missoula; Spokane, Wash.; and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Remp expects 800-1,500 spectators to attend the event. Tickets, available at the gate, are $8. Concessions will be available and there will be bleachers for spectators. There is also an area on a hill that "has the best view and people can bring lawn chairs," Remp said.

A list of 25 sponsors have made sure the Libby Arenacross will continue.

"We've been really lucky," Remp said. "There are lots of different sponsors."