It's a free, family-friendly event guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Black Hawk Motherlode bucks into town Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24.

The City of Black Hawk, in conjunction with Professional Team Bull Riding, is doing it again, providing an action packed weekend Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th full of thrills, spills and bone-jarring action. The 5th Annual Black Hawk Motherlode Rodeo promises to provide two jam-packed days full of bull riding, bareback and saddle bronco riding, professional free style bull fighting and the fans favorite event mutton busting. The fun takes place at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds just 45 minutes west of Denver. Gates are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Heck, you can't beat a deal like that!

This extreme rodeo challenge captures the essence of true western heritage. Forty-eight riders on twelve different teams go head to head on the toughest, nationally acclaimed livestock battling it out for team and individual championships in bull riding, bareback riding and saddle bronco riding for cash prizes totaling $30,000. This program represents the finals for a three event series featuring top riders from competitions at the Budweiser Event Center and the Greeley Stampede.

The fun doesn't stop there; bullfighters then take center stage in a Freestyle Bullfighting competition that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. These modern day gladiators risk life and limb, maneuvering around Mexican fighting bulls competing for the title of Champion Freestyle Bullfighter! If that isn't enough excitement for ya', then check out future bull and bronco riders in the fans favorite: Mutton Bustin. Watch these little buckaroos have their moment in the spotlight by hanging on for dear life and riding sheep for 6 seconds.

In addition to a variety of food, drink and artisan booths, a biscuit and gravy breakfast will be held for all those hungry cowpokes at 9:00 a.m. both days. Other event highlights include performances by the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West, a live broadcast by KYGO, televised production by Altitude Sports, cowboy autograph session, raffle with great prizes and music/karaoke by YourMusicPro.

Strike it rich and don't miss the heart pounding action of the 5th Annual Black Hawk Motherlode: an extreme rodeo challenge Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th. Get out of town and head to Black Hawk for a whole new Bull Game, its only 45 minutes from Denver. The City of Black Hawk, one of Colorado's oldest cities, and Professional Team Bull Riding, Inc produce this event.

Media Contact: Cindy Linker, 303-582-0615, clinker@cityofblackhawk.org

Note: Poster, Pictures and Extreme Rodeo Challenge Standings attached

City of Black Hawk presents the 5th Annual Black Hawk Motherlode - An Extreme Rodeo Challenge

What: Black Hawk Motherlode, a free, family-friendly event combining traditional rodeo fun with extreme sports action.

When: Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24

9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday

9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday

Where: Gilpin County Fairgrounds in Black Hawk, Colorado. Just 45 minutes from Denver.

Cost: Free admission and free parking!

For more information and a full schedule of events, go to www.cityofblackhawk.org or call 303-582-0615.