Casey Tibbs to host Annual Match of Champions Bronc Ride and Special Events

30 of the top cowboys will be matched up against some of the best bucking stock in the upper Midwest in the Match of Champions Bronc ride the eve of Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre. Now in its 22nd year, the Match of Champions bronc riders compete for the $15,000 purse. Advanced tickets are $15, $20 at the gate and $35 for those who want reserved, padded seats.

Earlier that day at 2:00 there will be several events at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center, located on the bluffs of Fort Pierre. There will be live interviews with the second generation of the Diamond A Cattle Company Members. The Diamond A was the largest open range cow outfit in the history of South Dakota in operation from 1902 until 1959. Visitors can listen to live music by Singer/songwriter Daniel (Boone) Johnson of the Mystic Cowboys.

At 3:00 four and five-year olds will compete in the stick pony races. John McBeth, infamous for his bronc riding and instructing, will be signing his book “Eight Seconds of Grace.” Ranchers will be burning their brands into the timbers of the Rodeo Center. The museum will be open and free to the public.

The western activities continue at the Stanley County Fairgrounds with a steak fry at 5:30. Tickets are available at the gate only for $15. The Match of Champions follows at 7pm. For more information: 605-494-1094 or www.caseytibbs.com