"EXPLOSIVE" describes barrelman Barry "Boom Boom" Johnson, who will be featured at the Kaw Valley Rodeo July 26, 27 and 28 at Wells Arena, in CICO Park, Manhattan. Each performances begins at 8:00 p.m. with contestants from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association competing in seven rodeo events.

Barry "Boom Boom" Johnson got his nickname after sustaining a head injury when explosives went amiss during a clown act in 1988. Packing excitement into his routine, the Nebraska clown loves bringing surprises and smiles to the faces of kids of all ages. You just never know what is going to happen when "Boom Boom" comes to town. Kids generally ask him "HOW" he does the things he does. Adults want to know "WHY"! In addition "Boom Boom" will be serving as barrelman assisting bullfighters Kevin Rich and Donald Shepherd.

Each performance will feature two sections of bull riding. Del Hall’s Rafter H Rodeo Company will provide tough bucking stock in the bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding events. Contestants will be competing against the clock in team roping, calf roping, steer wrestling and ladies barrel racing.

The rodeo fun begins on Saturday, July 21 with the Kaw Valley Youth Rodeo at Manhattan Town Center Mall. Registration begins at 12:00 noon. The "coolest rodeo arena in town" offers events for kids from 5 to 10 years of age. Winners will be presented award medallions from B-C Rodeo Awards.

Thursday night is KIDS NIGHT at the rodeo. Manhattan Main Street Merchants are sponsoring a food drive to benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket. Donations made at participating Main Street merchants between July 19-25 will receive a child’s ticket to the Thursday night performance and at the arena a free cowboy hat (while supplies last).

The Kaw Valley Special Rodeo will be presented Friday night at 7:00 p.m. During this event children with special needs pardner-up with a cowboy and participate in rodeo activities in the arena. The events range from riding a hand-rocked bucking bull, to riding the flag race on a real horse. The Special Rodeo event gives the cowboys and cowgirls an opportunity to give back to the rodeo community.

Rodeo events for kids will be offered during each performance! The crowd-pleasing Mutton Bustin’ is back, plus a Greased Pig Grab and a Calf Scramble! Mutton Bustin’ is for kids, ages 5-7, 50 pounds and under. Registration for the Mutton Bustin’ begins at 6:30 each night inside the southwest gate to the arena. The event is limited to 10 riders. The calf scramble is open to kids 5-12.

The official rodeo dance will be R.C. McGraw’s after each performance. Country band "Straw Boss" will provide live music each night. Advanced ticket prices are—reserved $8 ($10/gate), general admission $6 ($7/gate) and children 12 and under $3.50 ($4/gate). Rodeo tickets are available at the ITR office in Fort Riley, Roberts Western Outfitters in Junction City and these Manhattan businesses—S Bar J Western Clothier, Lee’s Western Wear, Dillon Stores, Dara’s Fast Lanes, Manhattan Town Center Mall. Tickets are also available at Orschelns in Manhattan and Junction City, Vanderbilt’s in Topeka and Wamego. General admission tickets can be purchased from participating Riley County 4-H Clubs, with a portion of the proceeds to go to the clubs. For ticket information call S Bar J Western Clothier, 785-537-8810