A record-setting crowd poured into the Monroe County Fairgrounds on Saturday night to enjoy the fifth annual Waterloo Optimist Club CBR Blue Army Bull Bash.

The event is named after the “blue army” of Optimists who plan and execute what has become a community fixture.

In addition to offering some of the nation’s top bull riders, the event has becoming a popular form of entertainment for adults and children. Four people chosen from the audience took part in an unusual session of musical chairs.  Participants were blindfolded and chairs were moved when contestants could not see. This resulted in episodes that drew laughter from thousands in the grandstands.

Another event saw three local FFA members take part in a barrel race, running around and between three barrels while each was blinded by having another barrel over their heads.

Recently retired Monroe County Sheriff Dan Kelley was honored with the presentation of a special rifle engraved with a personal serial number made that recognized his 44 years of service to the community and our nation, as well as his own initials.

Finally, six children were chosen at random from entrants to receive “Billy the Bull” anti-bullying books; six more received new bicycles.

Receiving the books were Chloe Wagenknecht, Kristin Smith, Jada Cover, Devin Phillips, Sarah Jonesmith and Chase Wagenknecht. Receiving bikes were Mikayla Tallot, Emma Hanlin, Landen Johnson, Drake Dudley, Kennedy Voelker and Blake Lane.

To view or purchase pictures from the event, click here.