This year's Eagle Grove After Prom committee came up with a fundraising idea that really shook things up – a mechanical bull riding contest, which was held Saturday night at the Rails depot. And let's just say the hits kept on coming!
Entering the depot was to walk into a cacophony of glee, with the sounds of wild merriment and laughter assaulting the eardrums and bringing an instant smile to the face. And what the eyes beheld could scarcely be believed! There, looming in the center of the room, surrounded by a massive inflated cushion that hinted at several less than graceful landings to come, was an imposing mechanical bull. Around which the wildly excited crowd was gathered.
Admission for the less daring was a free will donation to sit in safety and watch, and for those brave enough to ride the bull, $20 would cover unlimited rides, or $5 would pay for one. Additionally, five "celebrity" bull riders were named, Darren Robinson, Logan Willard, Jim Alesh, Karla Tweeten, and Zach Boyer. Donation buckets were set out for each "celebrity", with each dollar in their jar counting as a vote to make them ride the bull. Whichever celeb got the votes, would have to risk their neck and ride.
Turnout was huge, and there was a definite party atmosphere. "I thank the community for showing support for schools, and prom," Ed Pamperin, owner of Rails said of the crowd.
In the end, thanks to a big donation from Johnson Law Firm, the event raised a total of $1,864.00 for the After Prom events. Which was in large part due to "celebrity" Darren Robinson's determination to stay off the bull.
"I wanted to make sure that Darren rode, because he's our neighbor," said Phillip Johnson of the Johnson Law Firm, "and it seemed like the only way to make sure that happened was to make sure that his bucket was full."
As for riding performances, Carter Asche was the big winner of the night. Going an incredible 9.6 seconds on the bull, on nearly its highest setting, for the longest ride of the night. A score that had the owners of the bull suggesting he should consider going pro. "I'm the big champion, I guess," said Asche, adding that who won wasn't really what was important. "It's a good time, it goes to a good cause, a great time for everyone, kids and adults," Asche said, "it was a great idea." Carter Asche
