Cowboys challenged to ‘Fear No Evil’

After enjoying immense success in its first five years in Houma, St. Martin, Williams and Bourque present the 6th annual Coors Fear No Evil Bull Riding Challenge sponsored by Houma Tractor and the U.S. Army. This year, it expands to two nights, a change meant to give more people an opportunity to attend the rodeo.

And according to rodeo publicist Tammy Usie, the extra night means “double the rides, double the wrecks and double the action.”

The popularity of the event is evident—it has sold out each of the last four years.

“For the past four years, this event has sold out, and we’ve had to turn people away,” said promoter Randy Blanchard. “So we decided it was time to extend it to a two-day show so everyone can get a chance to come. Hopefully those that can’t get enough of this extreme sport will come both nights.”

The action-packed competition takes place Jan. 12 and Jan. 13, featuring over 80 local, regional and national bull riders challenging the bulls in an eight-second ride. Each night features 40 different bull riders competing in the eight-second dance. A winner will be awarded a cash purse on both nights.

On Friday, Jan. 12, the doors open at 6 p.m., and riding begins at 7:30 p.m.

Although the cowboys may be the main attractions, they are not the only attractions. Described as “large, strong and unpredictable,” the Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company will bring 100 bulls, and just like the cowboys, the bulls will be scored on their performance in the arena. “Believe it or not, the bulls like to perform for the crowd, and they even get their own score,” said Tammy Usie.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on the Friday for St. Martin, Williams and Bourque’s Family Night. Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse of Houma will offer an area for kids to dance, meet costumed characters, get their face painted and enjoy many more surprises.

Saturday’s festivities are an all-day affair, with Terrebonne Parish’s 4H Livestock show starting at 8 a.m. at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, with admission free of charge.

Then from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a pre-event party takes place at Big Wheels Casino on Hwy. 316 and Hwy. 90 in Upper Bayou Blue. The public will have an opportunity to meet the bull riders, get autographs and enjoy food, door prizes and more.

And finally, Saturday’s action goes back the Civic Center where doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the first bull bucks at 7:30 p.m. The annual post-show concert will take place with the Good Feelin’s Band performing.

Ticket prices range are $14, $18 and $22. Buy in advance and save $4 per ticket for Friday night if purchased by Jan. 11, and $2 off per ticket for Saturday if bought by Jan. 12. Tickets are available at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center or any other Ticketmaster outlet.

Cowboys challenged to ‘Fear No Evil’