The Mesquite Rodeo in Texas is standing in public defiance of the recent controversy surrounding rodeo clown Tuffy Gessling in Missouri by featuring its own rodeo clown dressed in President Obama’s image.
“Come see what is causing all the ruckus as the Mesquite Rodeo 2013 season closer gets a visit from a ‘special guest president,’” the rodeo announced Friday, according to the Dallas Observer.
“You’ve heard about the controversy surrounding the Obama clown in Missouri,” it continued. “This weekend, an Obama clown is a special guest star as the Mesquite Rodeo puts on the grand finale to its 2013 season with non-stop rodeo action you will only find in the aptly named ‘Rodeo Capital of Texas.’ Though he promises to remove his hat for the prayer, people are wondering: How will an Obama clown be received in the Lone Star State?”
Mesquite Arena General Manager Steve Gander told Unfair Park that the rodeo is simply exercising free speech.
“Presidential and celebrity clowns and dummies have been in rodeo and other sports and entertainment events since before Richard Nixon,” he said.
Mr. Gander promises “good clean family entertainment.” Mr. Obama will also be joined at the event by three other presidents, the Dallas Observer reported.
Tuffy Gessling was banned for life from the Missouri State Fair for wearing an Obama mask during a bull-riding event on Aug. 10.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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