We were looking for some local activity. Something different to do. Something fun!
We found just what we were looking for: Bull-Riding, Beer, Bar!
There’s a bar in Coolidge, Arizona called The Galloping Goose. Attached to the bar is a bull riding ring, and on the first and third Friday nights they have a local bull riding competition. We drove over there, parked, paid the admission fee, grabbed a bleacher seat and waited for the show to begin.
It was Ugly Christmas Sweater night. Spectators, Employees, Bull Riders – all wearing sweaters with loud colors, bows, baubles, flashing lights, garland, you name it, they were wearing it. Young ladies making goo goo eyes at the young men and little boys making goo goo eyes at the young men who were riding the bulls.
No gathering would be complete without a 50/50 draw. We purchased a strip of tickets and we and the others who gathered waited in anticipation for the draw.
Earlier in the day there was a horrible freeway accident near Marana, Arizona. Traffic was backed up and delayed for most of the afternoon. The trailer hauling the bulls was caught in the backlog as were some of the bull riders that were trying to make it there for the event. This resulted in a shortened program and general confusion for the organizers. You could tell that they were doing their best to put on a show for the crowd. It was announced that the 50/50 draw would be delayed and drawn in the bar after the bands first intermission. In to the bar we went. It was fun watching the people dance, sing, playing pool, laughing with their friends. Lots of flashy belt buckles, cowboy hats and well worn jeans. We were definitely part of the local crowd.
Then IT happened!
THE 50/50 DRAW!
and WE WON!
Here we are, the happy winners! It’s noisy in there, it’s dark in there, and it’s getting late. We have to drive back to the RV Park, so we delightedly accept a Christmas Sock of $$ and head out. We leave the bar, start the vehicle and head out. As we are driving away we pull the $$ out of the sock…
THERE’S $12 IN THERE!
YES – TWELVE DOLLARS!
12!
We can’t go back now! We’ve walked away! We’ve driven away! No one will believe us!
We dejectedly drive home. The glow from the sweaters is just a memory for us now.
The smell of the bulls is fresh in our minds… we feel like they smell!
What can be done?
A ha – I know – I will contact the organizer and explain our situation.
It’s close to midnight now, it’s been a long day for the organizers, they’ve obviously been under a lot of stress all day. I found them on Facebook and sent them a message:
We were at the Bull Riding tonight. We won the 50/50. When we got home we opened the envelope. There was $12 in there. There is no way that this is 50% of the amount raised.Can you help?We don’t mind supporting local events but this seems kind of crazy 🙂
NOW THIS IS WHERE THE STORY GETS SO AWESOME!
Within 18 minutes they replied that there had been a mix-up with the envelopes and that they would make it right for us!
After a day that I imagine they just want to forget. The stress. The waiting. The stress of waiting. They dealt with it. They fixed it. They made it right!
DirtWidow Bull Company – Casa Grande – Making it right!
YOUR BULLS ARE MEAN BUT YOU ARE SO FREAKIN AWESOME!
That’s wonderful! So, just out of curiosity, what did you end up with? It’s hard to imagine how much a 50/50 there would net you. Lots? A bit more than $12? Glad you found a new brand of entertainment! Merry Christmas!
yup…want to know… was it more than $12..
Yes it was $100 more than $12. We were impressed by how they handled their mistake. Very professional!
Hello, I am the owner of Dirt Widow Bull company along with my wife and mother. I just stumbled across this. We thank you for coming out to our event, the opportunity to fix the issue and for the kind words. Due to uncontrollable issues we had to forego the event in 2019 but, look for it to be back bigger and better in 2020.
Thanks! We’ve gone out to a couple of your Friday events this year! We enjoy the spirit of fun and can see all the work and effort that goes into it by everyone.