- Judges, contestants and master of ceremonies sought for special
       celebrity bull-riding contest Saturday, Oct. 19

     - Tanya Tucker to present awards to celebrity contest winners

    BOSSIER CITY, La., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Boomtown Casino & Hotel is
hoping to raise a lot of money for a good cause during the casino's first-ever
"BOOMFEST" outdoor festival October 18-20, 2002.
    The three-day festival will feature name-act entertainment including
singing star Tanya Tucker, food, drink and the opportunity for the public to
ride "Boomer" The Mechanical Bull throughout the weekend to raise money for
The American Cancer Society.
    A special celebrity bull-riding event will take place Saturday,
October 19, 2002, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring area celebrities and
dignitaries and a panel of celebrity judges.  Champion bull rider Mandy
Shipskey is the first celebrity judge named and Boomtown is seeking
representatives of corporations, entertainers and others to join her as
judges.
    "We are thrilled that Boomtown has chosen the American Cancer Society as
the recipient of the monies derived through this fun event," said Lisa Brown,
Executive Director of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.  "This
year alone, 127,607 people in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas will be diagnosed
with some form of cancer and the funds generated through this bull-riding
event will help support those recently diagnosed as well as those battling
this disease every day," she said.  "These funds stay here locally, which is
important, because there's not anyone whose life has not been touched in some
way by cancer."
    "Cancer is a disease that doesn't care," said Boomtown's General Manager
Dale Darrough, "but our bull-riding and celebrity bull-riding events give us a
way to show that Boomtown Casino does care.  With today's medical advances,
cancer does not have to be a death sentence, and we are proud to join the
American Cancer Society in the continuing fight."
    In addition to the money raised from the bull rides, Boomtown will make a
corporate donation to the American Cancer Society in the amount of $5,000.
    Prominent female bull rider Mandy Shipskey, from Fort Worth, TX, will be
one of the judges for the celebrity event.  Mandy, currently number two in the
Professional Women's Rodeo Association's standings, was ranked at the top of
the professional female bull-riding circuit until a broken arm sidelined her
in May.
    Now she is back on the bull and only a few points away from retaining her
number one ranking.  In addition to judging, Mandy will demonstrate her
bull-riding techniques on "Boomer" and will be available for autographs.
Additional judges will be announced soon.
    On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, members of the public may take a turn on
the mechanical bull for a $5 donation.  Celebrity or other "corporate" riders
are encouraged to participate on Saturday October 19, with a suggested
donation of $500 to $1,000 or more.  For additional information on corporate
or celebrity participation, contact Sean Collins at Coffin Communications
Group at 818-798-0100 or Stacy Davis, Boomtown Marketing Coordinator, at
318-841-2317.
    Admission to Boomtown's October Boomfest Festival is free.  Food and
beverages will be available at a nominal charge.
    Local band "The Boomers" will open each day's entertainment, followed by
regional and national acts, highlighted by country entertainer Tanya Tucker on
Saturday.  The entertainment line up is as follows:

     Fri. Oct. 18

     7:00 p.m.  - The Boomers
     8:00 p.m.  - Louisiana's LeRoux
     9:30 p.m.  - Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone

     Sat. Oct. 19

     6:00 p.m.  - The Boomers
     7:30 p.m.  - John Fred & The Playboys
     9:00 p.m.  - Tanya Tucker

     Sun. Oct. 20

     4:00 p.m.  - The Boomers
     5:30 p.m.  - Ricky Lynn Gregg
     7:30 p.m.  - Paul Revere & The Raiders

    Rides on Boomer The Mechanical Bull start approximately two hours prior to
the start of entertainment each day.  The celebrity bull ride begins at
4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.  Tanya Tucker is expected to present the
trophy to the winner.

    Boomtown Casino & Hotel is looking for judges, contestants and a master of
ceremonies for its event to benefit the American Cancer Society.  All
interested parties please respond as soon as possible to Sean Collins.

    For further information, please contact Sean Collins of Coffin
Communications Group, +1-818-789-0100, for Boomtown Bossier City; or Gene
Haynes, Boomtown Public Relations, +1-318-841-2188, or Stacy Davis, Boomtown
Casino Marketing, +1-318-841-2317.

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