As the annual tradition of honoring the memory of their close friend and fellow competitor continues, a collection of the top cowboys in the western sports world will make their fifth annual journey to Bill Hailey Arena in Cassville on Saturday for the Ridin’ with Mason Lowe Invitational.
Mason Lowe, a Missouri native and top-ranked bull rider, passed away on Jan. 15, 2019, as a result of injuries sustained during a PBR (Professional Bull Riders) event at the Denver Coliseum.
To celebrate his career, passion and dedication to the sport, bull riders, freestyle bull fighters, stock contractors, family, friends, the local community and more gather each year to pay tribute to the talented athlete by doing what he loved to do at the outdoor arena nearest his hometown — all while raising money for a cause that held a special place in his heart.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and support of the attendees, fans and community, all proceeds from the event are donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Lowe’s name.
“It’s hard to believe that this event is in its fifth year,” said event producer Stu Crowe. “Back in 2019, we had no idea that a few short years later we would have raised as much as we have to donate in Mason’s honor. Our entire community knew Mason and we were all so very proud of what he accomplished in his career.
“When we had the idea for this event it was really important to us that we created something that gave Mason’s family, the western sports industry, his friends and neighbors all a way to celebrate his life and remember his willingness to always show kindness and help others.”
The inaugural tribute event, held in May of 2019, raised $15,000 to benefit the children and families at St. Jude. The 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions in the state of Missouri.
The 2021 and 2022 events then surpassed the inaugural year by raising matching $20,000 donations. Organizers looked to exceed previous donations during the Memorial Day weekend event of 2023 and did just that by raising an impressive $25,000.
With $80,000 raised over the short duration of the event, more planning than ever has gone into the 2024 event and sights are set on raising the bar and surpassing the $100,000 milestone.
At the 2023 event, Lowe’s longtime friend and traveling partner Chase Outlaw was crowned the event champion.
Joining Outlaw for the 2024 event, athletes from PBR (Professional Bull Riders), PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and other associations including top names such as Wyatt Rogers, Daniel Keeping, Rubens Barbosa, Tate Pollmeier, Bob Mitchell, Caden Bunch, Creek Young, Denton Fugate, Jack Gilmore and more are expected to compete.
Each rider will face one bull during Round 1 before the 10 riders with the highest scores advance to the championship round. The overall event winner will be the rider who has earned the most points over two rides.
In addition to another year of top-notch bull riding from some of the biggest names in the industry, fans will be treated to a creative exhibition of flips, tricks and an intricate dance when freestyle bullfighters take over the arena at intermission.
The action begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting ridinwithmasonlowe. com or purchased upon gate entry at the Bill Hailey Arena on event night.
