By JOSH FRYE
News Sports Writer
For the first time in more than 12 years, a pro rodeo event found its way back to the Atmore area in the form of the Perdido River Farms Invitational Bullriding competition, presented April 26 and 27 by Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.
The exhibition of cowboy skills featured more than 30 bull riders from the Premiere Bulls Tour, a professional bull-riding tour with Atmore roots.
PBT co-presidents Steven Campbell and Mitchell Rolin helped bring the tour into town to entertain a crowd of more than a thousand over the two-night rodeo event, which generated funds for a Poarch youth group.
“The proceeds from the event will go to aid the Poarch Creek 4-H Club,” Rolin said in an interview last week. “The funds will aid in the steer program for the club and help in the building of much needed steer barns.”
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Council member and former professional rodeo rider Dewitt Carter had his first ride on a bull in more than 20 years during the event.
The crowd erupted when Carter deployed out of the chute, even though his ride only lasted a few seconds.
Along with Carter, Poarch native Joey Barber made his debut as a bull rider. Barber, an MMA fighter, fearlessly hopped on a thousand-pound beast as the hometown crowd cheered wildly.
Even though Barber’s attempt lasted just over one second, it helped hype the crowd for the remaining performances.
Along with hometown riders, pro riders from all over the United States and hilarious entertainment from the rodeo clown and bull fighters, the event offered a chance to build a name locally for many more shows to come in the future.