Olive Branch set for another Bucking in the Branch
Rodeo fans in DeSoto County want to see the live action the sport offers and it will return June 6 with another version of Bucking in the Branch. The fourth annual event comes back to Olive Branch, but it will be at a new location, according to Chris Milliorn of M5 Productions, which puts it all together.
This year, Bucking in the Branch will take place at Magnolia Park, which is at 10136 Magnolia Drive, across from BPI Coatings.
The event had to move with the new construction work going on at the soccer complex, where it previously took place.
“It’s not an ideal location, but that’s the only spot that city had,” said Milliorn. “We’re gonna try to see how it works out. We’re gonna do all the stuff we do.”
One item the space won’t allow to be done this year is barrel racing, he said, because the area is small and won’t allow the trailers to take up space needed for parking.
One item that will happen is what Milliorn called “freestyle bullfighting.”
“We’re bringing in a few Mexican bulls and we’re doing a competition with some guys,” Milliorn said. “They get judged on how close they get, how much contact they make with the bull and then they’re competing for a prize as well.”
Milliorn said gates will open on June 6 at 6 p.m. with the event starting at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 5-12, and under age 5 will be free.
Activities will have mutton busting for the kids with sheep, and then a group called Southern Grace and Glory Entertainment will be doing some trick riding. Well-known rodeo clown Jeff Cupp will also be part of the show, followed by the freestyle bullfighting. Close to two dozen competitors have signed up.
“We got them coming from Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, so we’re getting them, getting them scattered out,” Milliorn said, adding the attendance in past Bucking in the Branch events has ranged from 1,500 to as many as 2,500 fans coming out to watch.
Milliorn said it’s good family fun that brings people to come out and watch.
“It’s something different, there’s not a lot like it in this general area,” Milliorn explained. “You go down the road 100 miles and it seems like there’s one every weekend. We do a good job, and people enjoy it.”
Olive Branch has been very supportive in bringing Bucking in the Branch to the city, he said, especially the many sponsors backing the event.
For more information, visit the M5 Productions Facebook page.
Photos from a past Bucking in the Branch are courtesy City of Olive Branch.
