Brian Patton and his bull, Django, light up the night during last year’s Lea County Fair and Rodeo. Patton and his high-rise act will be back in Lovington, New Mexico, year to wow the crowd again.
(PHOTO BY PEGGY GANDER)
LOVINGTON, N.M. – Some of the best parts of any festival include “wow factors.”
For nine decades, the Lea County Fair Board has worked to do that at its annual exposition. From top-tier concerts to incredible exhibits to the world-class rodeo, there’s a chance to make a major exclamation, especially during each of the five nights of the Lea County Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5-Saturday, Aug. 8; that also includes Lea County Xtreme Bulls, which is Tuesday, Aug. 4.
That’s where “The Misfit Cowboy” shines. Brian Patton not only goes by the moniker, but it also fits his style. His brand of entertainment is explosive, featuring pyrotechnics and an 1,800-pound American red brahma bull in the center of it all.
“Brian was with us last year, and we really liked how he was authentically Western,” said Kyle Johnston, a fair board member and chairman of the rodeo committee. “It was really entertaining, and we had a lot of people talk about how well that bull was trained.”
The bull is Django, and he’s been saddle broken and trick-trained by Patton.
“He kneels and bows and lays down, and he gets on a pedestal,” said Patton, a rodeo entertainer from Epps, Louisiana. “We do have a lot of pyro in my act, a lot of fire and tricks. That’s a big part of the show: Big props and fire on top of a red brahma bull.”
It was a hit with fans who flocked into Jake McClure Arena. Patton has been there before. He’s been around the sport all his life, and he’s just carrying on a legacy that was built before him.
“My dad was a rodeo contestant, so I’ve always been around it a little bit,” Patton said. “I bought a Texas longhorn steer from a guy, a picture-taking steer. I used to go to rodeos, and people would sit on him, and I’d take their picture. One thing led to another, and I ended up buying another Texas Longhorn steer that was real impressive to look at.
“I started a rodeo act with him, and it’s been all downhill from that point.”
Uphill might be a better word. He not only rides Django through obstacles – like fire – but will have him atop a specially designed trailer as it moves. It’s certainly a memorable act.
Over the years, the Lea County Fair and Rodeo has had some of the greatest entertainers in the sport. From Troy Lerwill’s high-flying motorcycle antics to John Harrison’s comedy through trick riding to the One Armed Bandit & Co., all have received major national honors.
Patton’s act fits right in among the very best to have ever entertained.