(Owensboro, KY): The Owensboro Sportscenter has traded in the shiny decorated hard wood floor for dirt this weekend as the Bull Bash X makes it’s way to Owensboro. Murphy Excavating and the Sportscenter team directed by Thomas Dyer began bringing dirt into the arena on Wednesday for the weekend show. “It’s a lot of work and effort, but this is a great show for families to come out to and something different than Owensboro usually offers,” said Dyer right before the start of today’s matinee show.
While the bulls and their riders may be the promoted stars of the show, there is another part of the puzzle to keep the crowd entertained during breaks between riders. That is where John “Lefty the Rodeo Clown” Kee comes in. Kee began his career as a bareback horse rider in the 1970’s before an injury broke his left arm and he retired from bareback riding and fighting bulls. Kee’s nickname comes from missing his left arm that he endured in a farming accident 20 years ago. “It leaves me a a little short handed but I make the best of the situation that the Good Lord has blessed me with.”
“Lefty” loves the sport so much that he just couldn’t stay away and after his 3 boys were raised he returned to the ring as Lefty The Rodeo Clown. “On an average year, I’ll probably do fifty to sixty shows a year all over the country. Everywhere from South Carolina, to out west to three miles from the Canadian border in Minnesota. I live on the road all summer long.” When he is not on the road, Kee calls Park Hills, Missouri home.
Chase Haskins of Lynchburg, VA goes for a ride during the Bull Bash X on Saturday afternoon. Photo by: Blake Smith
Kee encourages everyone to come out to tonight’s Bull Bash X. “We’ve got a lot of good riders and great bulls. Ernie (Treadway) brings a good pen of bulls. Some of ’em are a little hot so they’ll get to see some live action. I’ll be doing some acts. I’ve got a couple acts that we’ll do. It’s just a great time and the good thing about rodeo is it’s family friendly. We keep it family oriented.”
Fans can enjoy Lefty, the bulls and their riders including Kentucky State Bull Riding Champion, Cody McElroy at tonight’s performance which begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are still available at www.owensborotickets.com.
