One of the "baddest bodies in sports," according to ESPN's 2013 Body Issue Magazine, will be coming to Oakdale on Monday as an honored guest at this year's Testicle Festival.
“Our 2014 honoree, who has no intention of becoming a steer, is none other than the two time PBR World Champion Bucking Bull Bushwacker. Probably the most recognized and famous bull out there,” said Oakdale Cowboy Museum Executive Director Christie Camarillo.
“This year the committee decided to put a different spin on the event and pay tribute to the many bovine that have sacrificed their manhood jewels for this annual event."
Bushwacker was born in Marysville in 2005, and is the son of the famous bucking bull, Reindeer Dippin.
“His owners, Julio and Kindra Moreno, make their home in Oakdale and are very proud of his success,” added Camarillo.
From 2009-2013 Bushwacker went on a four-year buckoff streak, breaking the previous record of 35 buckoffs. He continued for an additional eight months and six events to reach 42 consecutive buckoffs. Bushwacker’s record streak came to an end on Aug. 17, 2013, when J.B. Mauney faced him for the ninth time in his career and rode the World Champion Bull for 95.25 points. Mauney has attempted Bushwacker two times since that fateful date and has been bucked off each time.
Bushwacker will retire at the end of 2014 at the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.
“I wanted him to go out when he was still at the top of his game,” said Moreno. Every athlete deserves that.”
Thus started Bushwacker’s Farewell Tour that will take him to nine states before he retires to the lush grass of his California home and surrounds himself with beautiful cows and builds his family.
The Oakdale Testicle Festival is presented by the Oakdale Rotary Club and the Oakdale Cowboy Museum. Tickets for the event are $65 per person and $75 at the door and can be purchased at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum or at the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce.
Along with a main course of rocky mountain oysters, there is a hosted bar, a raffle, live auction and plenty of fun.
“This is the only event where you are ‘guaranteed to have a ball’,” Camarillo said, chuckling.
Event merchandise featuring honoree Bushwacker will also be available for purchase. For additional information, visit www.oakdaletesticlefestival.com or call 847-5163.
