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WILD ROGUE PRO RODEO Rodeo clowns put their bodies on the line to protect cowboys Comment By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 2, 2016 at 4:06 PM Updated Jun 2, 2016 at 5:36 PM By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 2, 2016 at 4:06 PM Updated Jun 2, 2016 at 5:36 PM » Social News Makeup, adrenaline, bulls, barrels, split-second reactions to life-and-death situations: It's all part of the job for a rodeo clown. JJ Harrison, a 10-time Northwest clown of the year and National Finals rodeo clown, left the safe life of a school teacher to entertain rodeo-goers across the nation — and to protect competing cowboys. Harrison was a teacher for eight years before deciding to become a professional rodeo clown in 2008. Since then, he’s had rodeo jobs all over the country. In 2015 Harrison performed at 177 shows and was on the road for 212 days. “The best part of the job is the people I get to meet,” said Harrison, who will be part of the show at the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo, which begins tonight at The Expo in Central Point. “Getting to travel the country, I meet a ton of different people.” But clowning around isn’t the most important part of the job. “My job is entertainment with the crowd,” said Harrison. “But as soon as that bull comes out, my job changes. I go from an entertainer to a safety outlet. If somebody’s going to get hit in the arena, it needs to be me.” In those moments, the rodeo clown goes from being goofy and funny to being fearless and athletic as he distracts the giant bulls away from fallen riders, putting himself at risk to protect them. Will Rasmussen, rodeo announcer, has been in the business 21 years and calls bull-riding “an impossible task.” “The bulls are bred for athleticism, strength, quickness and power,” said Rasmussen. Harrison has sustained many injuries in his clown career, including a fractured skull and broken back. There’s a lot of physical activity involved with the job and most injuries occur from wear on the body, according to Harrison, but that’s not the most difficult part of the job. “The most challenging part of the job would be an unenergetic crowd,” said Harrison. “The nice part about Central Point is that I don’t have to worry about that here.” His desire to become a rodeo clown was partially because of pay, or lack thereof, as a teacher, admitted Harrison. It was also partially just for the fun. “Every kid growing up at some point wants to be a cowboy or a cowgirl … I’m living that dream,” said Harrison. “I’m a part of something that’s pretty big and I like that.” Harrison says he plans to perform as a clown for three more years and retire by January 2019. “There’s this guy out there that just kind of keeps you smiling every now and then,” said Harrison. “My job is to be that guy.” Harrison will perform today through Saturday, June 4, in The Expo's arena. Doors for the rodeo open at 6 p.m. today and Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Main events include bull riding, bareback riding, roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding and barrel racing. After-parties feature performances by Chase Bryant on Thursday, Billy Lund and Whiskey Weekend Friday and the Scott Perry band Saturday. The exceptional rodeo allows people of all ages with disabilities to star in the ring from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Attendees will participate in different rodeo activities. Other popular events include the Mutton Bustin’ sheep riding by local kids, and the McMillan family trick riders, who will perform riding stunts nightly. Caitlin Fowlkes is a reporting intern. Reach her at [email protected]. By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 2, 2016 at 4:06 PM Updated Jun 2, 2016 at 5:36 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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