By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Another Berrien County Youth Fair will draw to a close Saturday after a week that started out a little soggy, got star-studded with a grandstand concert Thursday night by country artist Dierks Bentley and will end up with a sold out Demolition Derby Saturday night.

Plenty of activities and events remain and area youth continue to show off their prize winning animals.

Even State Representative Sharon Tyler got in on the fair fun, reportedly purchasing a couple of rabbits during a small animal auction.

Though Saturday night’s grandstand event might be sold out, festival goers can still get in on some action when Bullmania, a full scale rodeo show, invades the grandstand tonight.
“Fast action, edge of your seat, family entertainment,” is how Cathy Johnston described the event which is put on by her company, Super Kicker Rodeo Production.

A total of 30 bulls and 30 bull riders will take part in the event.

Johnston said spectators will feel as though they are “living it live” with “not even 50 feet” between them and the live show.

“They can’t miss this,” she said. “The bulls are bucking tough.”

Stand up comedian, Brad “The Wild Hair” Hair, returns to Super Kicker Rodeo to host the event.

Starting early Friday morning, Cathy said she and her crew would be busy putting together the arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair grounds. Music is also organized for the show, as each of the bulls are named after songs, Johnston said, and that corresponding song plays as each bull bucks.

“We work very, very hard to be very entertaining,” she said.

For Johnston, the event is more than just a way of showcasing her company’s productions. She said pulling a rodeo together to present to the public is a way of “keeping western heritage alive.” And she said she realizes during an economic recession the need to make sure that people are getting value for their ticket.

“When they spend that entertainment dollar, I want to make sure they get their money’s worth,” she said. Her goal is to put a smile on their face. “That’s what I want for these families, because times are tough.”

The essence of a live rodeo, “goes back to the basics of life,” she said. “It’s just good, clean, family entertainment and people right now, they need that.”

Tickets are still available and those interested in attending tonight’s Bullmania can contact the ticket or fair office by phone, or stop by either office at the fair grounds to make a purchase.

Johnston is hoping that people will bring their whole families. “The youngest of children to the oldest of grandparents,” she assured, would enjoy the show.

“There’s a lot more to this than just bucking bulls,” she added. Johnston said that all of the animals receive good care and are well taken care of. And as proverbial sportsmen, “these bulls love what they’re doing.

“There are rebel humans,” Johnston said. “And there are rebel animals…” These rebels are gearing up to put on quite a show tonight at the grandstand.