Hooves will be flying and greenhorns will be falling in the ninth annual Cliff Castle Casino Fort Verde Days Bull Bash.

The fund-raiser for the successful Camp Verde High School Wrestling Team includes two days of bull riding and two days of Kids' Rodeo, all at the Community Center soccer field in midtown.

The more successful a high school wrestling program, the more expensive it seems to be. That is why the Bull Bash has been of vital importance for Camp Verde's grapplers.

Wrestling coach Bob Weir said that while the school pays entry fees for tournaments, the past funds raised by the Bull Bash have paid for meals and rooms. The team has also been able to remodel the 60-by-120-foot wrestling room. Every five to six years they purchase equipment and uniforms, and they also fund an off-season Youth Program for wrestlers age 5-19.

Weir anticipates the high school program this year will have 30-35 wrestlers, with an additional 25-30 at the middle school level. The off-season Youth Program regularly pulls in about 100 kids.

Two years ago, the Bull Bash brought in $14,000, and last year $15,000. It is an increasingly popular and anticipated event. For the past few years, it has been run in conjunction with Fort Verde Days, creating a new tradition.

Weir will once again perform as the rodeo clown, with former Camp Verde wrestlers Steve Strickland and Travis Chavez serving as the bullfighters. Weir and his wife Daria are the organizers and promoters. The wrestling team builds the arena.

Once again, their primary sponsor is the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

In the past Wal-Mart has helped with tickets, and the team is still selling sponsorships for the Bull Bash.

The event includes Open Bull Riding and Novice Bull Riding.

The Open event, with some PBR-level bulls provided by the Casper Baca Rodeo Company, has an entry fee of $105. The Novice entry fee is $55, and they will be riding less experienced bulls.

The Bull Bash is Oct. 13 and Oct. 14, starting at 7 p.m. each night.

Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. and again Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. will be the popular Kids' Rodeo. That will include Junior Bull Riding, Steer Riding, Calf Riding, Sheep Riding and a Stick Horse Race.

The Junior Bull Riding is for ages 12-13, with an entry fee of $50. They compete both days for a belt buckle. The Steer Riding is for ages 9-12, with a $25 entry fee. Last year, they had 25 entries in the Junior Bull Riding and 22 in the Steer Riding, according to Weir.

Calf Riding is for those age 5-9. Entry is $15. Again, they compete both days for a buckle.

In the Sheep Riding, there will be a buckle presented each day, and a $5 entry fee.

The Stick Horse Race also has a prize both days. It for ages 2-5 and has an entry fee of $3.

Both the Bull Bash and the Kids Rodeo have grown over the years. Last year, they increased from four bleachers to five, providing 1,500 seats. Weir said they drew 500-600 spectators for the Kids Rodeo.

To watch the event, adult ticket in advance are $8, and at the gate $10. For kids, its $3 in advance and $5 at the gate.

Tickets are available at Camp Verde Feed, Bashas' and the Cowboy Shop.