Classic event fulfills dream of Powell's Kanin Asay Take 30 bulls and 30 riders eager to score some prize money. Toss in eight of the nation's best free-style bull fighters. Sprinkle in some additional fan-friendly entertainment to fill in the gaps and you'll have what PRCA bull rider and Powell native Kanin Asay hopes is the makings of an annual event. The Dusty Tuckness and Kanin Asay Classic will take place in Cody this Sunday. “Dusty and I have been friends for a long time and we both got our starts at the Cody Nite Rodeo,” said Asay. “We're the best friends possible. He's going to do anything he can to help me be better and I'll do the same for him. We've both grown up around rodeo.”The idea to organize their own rodeo event showcasing their respective talents (Tuckness is a prize bull fighter from Meeteetse) first came up in conversation a year ago. With the help of Maury Tate, who helped line up sponsors, the idea took form this summer.“Maury has been the main guy behind it all,” said Asay. “His expertise in getting sponsors together and taking care of that side of things is really what allowed it to be put together.”The event takes on an added significance considering that Asay has sat out of rodeo for more than two months recuperating from a dislocated shoulder suffered in competition in Houston back in March. Asay will step into the chute Friday night for his first competitive bull ride since the injury. Two nights later, he'll be in action as a participant in the event that bears his name.“This winter was really a huge blessing for me,” said Asay, who currently sits fourth on the PRCA's world ranking chart. “I was fortunate to make good money this winter. I've had to sit out a couple of months, but I didn't miss the bulk of the summer season.”In addition to the night's featured bull riding and bull fighting competitions, the Classic will also feature a junior steer riding event and clown entertainment. The idea, according to Asay, is to make an exciting and family-friendly night of entertainment for those attending. “We really wanted something that would bring local families out and to put on a good show for them,” said Asay. “I know there's a lot of interest in it because it seems everyone I talk to wants to know about it.”Like all Nite Rodeo events, the Classic will start at 8 p.m. with gates opening an hour before. Tickets for the Dusty Tuckness and Kanin Asay Classic will be available at the gate or can be purchased in advance from the Cody Stampede office. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children ages 7-12. Children age 6 and under are admitted free. VIP and season passes will be accepted. “I just want to thank the sponsors and the folks who will attend,” said Asay. “I hope and believe that it will be a good few hours of entertainment and a good event.”

Classic event fulfills dream of Powell's Kanin Asay

Take 30 bulls and 30 riders eager to score some prize money. Toss in eight of the nation's best free-style bull fighters. Sprinkle in some additional fan-friendly entertainment to fill in the gaps and you'll have what PRCA bull rider and Powell native Kanin Asay hopes is the makings of an annual event.

The Dusty Tuckness and Kanin Asay Classic will take place in Cody this Sunday.

“Dusty and I have been friends for a long time and we both got our starts at the Cody Nite Rodeo,” said Asay.

“We're the best friends possible. He's going to do anything he can to help me be better and I'll do the same for him. We've both grown up around rodeo.”

The idea to organize their own rodeo event showcasing their respective talents (Tuckness is a prize bull fighter from Meeteetse) first came up in conversation a year ago. With the help of Maury Tate, who helped line up sponsors, the idea took form this summer.

“Maury has been the main guy behind it all,” said Asay. “His expertise in getting sponsors together and taking care of that side of things is really what allowed it to be put together.”

The event takes on an added significance considering that Asay has sat out of rodeo for more than two months recuperating from a dislocated shoulder suffered in competition in Houston back in March. Asay will step into the chute Friday night for his first competitive bull ride since the injury. Two nights later, he'll be in action as a participant in the event that bears his name.

“This winter was really a huge blessing for me,” said Asay, who currently sits fourth on the PRCA's world ranking chart. “I was fortunate to make good money this winter. I've had to sit out a couple of months, but I didn't miss the bulk of the summer season.”

In addition to the night's featured bull riding and bull fighting competitions, the Classic will also feature a junior steer riding event and clown entertainment. The idea, according to Asay, is to make an exciting and family-friendly night of entertainment for those attending.

“We really wanted something that would bring local families out and to put on a good show for them,” said Asay. “I know there's a lot of interest in it because it seems everyone I talk to wants to know about it.”

Like all Nite Rodeo events, the Classic will start at 8 p.m. with gates opening an hour before. Tickets for the Dusty Tuckness and Kanin Asay Classic will be available at the gate or can be purchased in advance from the Cody Stampede office. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children ages 7-12. Children age 6 and under are admitted free. VIP and season passes will be accepted.

“I just want to thank the sponsors and the folks who will attend,” said Asay. “I hope and believe that it will be a good few hours of entertainment and a good event.”