LINN — The Linn Lions Club will host its third annual Bull Bash on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Linn Lions Club Fairgrounds, adding mutton-busting, a sheep scramble, expanded seating, and other attractions to this year’s professional bull-riding event.

Gates will open at 5 p.m., followed by mutton-busting at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo at 8 p.m. Shiloh Country Band will perform after the rodeo until approximately 12:30 or 1 a.m.

“We are excited for our rodeo fans to come and see all we’ve done this year to continue growing this event,” said Linn Lions Club Vice President Andy Dudenhoeffer. “We are looking to continue improving the Bull Bash annually to make this something special for years to come!”

Last year’s Bull Bash was ranked among the country’s top five professional bucking-bull events and was in the running for event of the year.

The National Federation of Professional Bull Riders will return for this year’s event. Clint and Tara Jackson, the brother-and-sister team behind Jackson Bull Co. & Ranch of Mansfield, will provide the bulls. Clint Jackson has worked with the NFPB since 1994.

Between 25 and 30 cowboys are expected to compete, with each riding two bulls. Scores from the two rides will be combined, and the rider with the highest total will win. The Lions Club has added $7,000 to the purse to help attract top riders from across the country.

The top eight riders will receive payouts, with $2,400 going to the winner. The top three finishers will also receive custom trophies donated by the Owensville FFA Chapter.

For the first time, children ages 3-7 will compete in mutton-busting before the Bull Bash. Participants will ride sheep for a chance to win a custom belt buckle.

A sheep scramble for children ages 3-8 will be held during the first intermission. Several sheep will be released into the arena, and children who retrieve ribbons attached to some of the animals will win prizes.

“There will be something to do for all ages,” Dudenhoeffer said.

Spectators will have more seating than last year following an addition to the grandstands and the addition of two large portable sets of bleachers. Attendees may also bring their own chairs.

The event will include 11 local vendors offering food and merchandise, including pork rinds, kettle corn, smash burgers, baked goods, fried potato spirals, mini corn dogs, snow cones, fresh-squeezed lemonade, dirty sodas, western apparel and décor, purses, and face painting.

The Linn Lions Club concession stand will offer several new food options, including brats, pork burgers, and ribeye steak sandwiches. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks will also be available as usual.

Two beer gardens will operate this year, with one in the 4-H barn and another on the track for spectators seated around the arena. A mechanical bull will be available in the 4-H barn beer garden. Rides will cost $10 for adults 21 and older and $5 for those ages 6-20.

Anyone who completes an eight-second ride will receive a coupon. Adults will receive a free alcoholic beverage from either beer garden, while younger riders will receive a free drink from the concession stand.

Identification will be checked, and wristbands will be required for anyone consuming alcohol. Outside alcohol is prohibited.

“Come out, enjoy the fresh air, great food, good friends, live music, and watch some bucking bulls,” Dudenhoeffer said.

Three firearms will also be raffled during the concert following the rodeo: a Weatherby 307 Range XP2 6.5 PRC graphite bolt-action rifle, a TriStar Hunter Mag II over-and-under 12-gauge shotgun, and a Henry .22 LR lever-action rifle. One firearm was donated by Lee Outdoors.

Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold for $20 each. Tickets are available in advance at Lee Outdoors and will also be sold during the Bull Bash at the concession stand and beer gardens. Winners do not have to be present for the drawing.

Advance admission is $12 for ages 13 and older and $3 for children ages 6-12. At the gate, admission will be $15 for ages 13 and older and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free.

Advance tickets are available at Legends Bank locations in Belle, Linn, and Loose Creek, as well as Mid America Bank, Dave’s Pizza, DJ’s Repair Service, and Linn Thriftway. State Tech students, faculty, and staff will be admitted free with a current identification card.

Parking will be available within the fairgrounds, with overflow parking at State Tech.

“The extended weather forecast is looking very pleasant for our Bull Bash. I think I saw 84 degrees and sunny!” Dudenhoeffer said.

Thirty-five community sponsors provided funding for this year’s event, which raised more than $37,000. Proceeds will allow the Lions Club to support community needs and continue making improvements to the fairgrounds.

“Thanks for continuing to support the Linn Lions Club,” Dudenhoeffer said.