NEWS RELEASE
South Dakota Department of Agriculture
South Dakota State Fair
Contact: Cindy Titze
605-353-7340
For Immediate Release: August 13, 2004

“Whiplash” The Cowboy Monkey Named As SD State Fair PRCA Rodeo Specialty Act

(Huron, SD) – This year’s South Dakota State Fair PRCA Rodeo will feature world champion bulls and broncs – PLUS a cowboy monkey!   Yes, that’s right -- monkey.  This year’s specialty entertainment act is “Whiplash” The Cowboy Monkey.  He is the adorable monkey you see on the Taco John’s television commercials and will be performing for both nights of this year’s South Dakota State Fair PRCA Rodeo performances.

When “Whiplash” rides into the arena astride his Border Collie mount, decked out in his finest cowboy duds and custom-made saddle, the audience is assured of a fun, fast paced and incredibly unique performance.  With the aid of Tommy Lucia and his highly trained sheep dog, imported from Scotland, “Whiplash” rounds up a herd of wild sheep.  Although the agility and skill of his canine companion are unmatched, it is the unpredictable antics of this pint size primate that keep onlookers in stitches. 

”This is a great family show,” commented Susan Hayward. “I have had the opportunity to see Tommy and Whiplash at dozens of rodeos and the show is really unique.  The kids just squeal with delight at this monkey – they really get a kick out of seeing him riding on the dog.” 

The PRCA Rodeo performances will take place September 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. each evening in the Grandstand.  A Ranch Rodeo will be in the Grandstand at 1:30 on Sunday, September 5 and Dierks Bentley will also perform on the Freedom Stage at 5:30 p.m. prior to the final performance on September 6.

The 2004 South Dakota State Fair will take place September 4-11 in Huron.

For more information contact the South Dakota State Fair office at 605-353-7340 or visit our website at sdstatefair.com for more details.

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