'Ring of Fire' Won't Return to Berlin Fair but Bull Riding Likely Will

The Xtreme Bull Riders' "Ring of Fire" will not return to the Berlin Fair next year, but it is possible other bull riding events will return, Berlin Lions spokesman Peter Agostini said.

A woman was injured and taken to Hartford Hospital by LifeStar on Oct. 5 after a charging bull caused her injuries. She was one of seven people who participated in the Xtreme Bull Riding Team's "Ring of Fire" contest.

She was never fully identified by emergency responders at the scene.

She was one of seven people who stood in a ring while a bull was let out of its pen. The last person in the ring won a cash prize.

"I've been informed that at this point the woman who was injured was treated and released with minor injuries from the bull," Agostini said. "This 'Ring of Fire' is something the Xtreme Bull Riders do every show they do and they will continue to do so. It is not something unusual for them but it has never been done at the Berlin Fair.

"The participants were completely aware of what was going to happen. I have seen a copy of the release they all signed and it says right on there what is going to happen. I find it difficult for anyone to say they didn't know what was going to happen unless they didn't read it. I talked to some of the people who were in there and they said they were aware of what was going to happen. They were explained by CJ from the Xtreme Bull Riders what to expect."

The bull riding has been a popular event in the last two years at the Berlin Fair.

"We will not have the 'Ring of Fire' at the Berlin Fair going forward," Agostini said. "We will look each year, as we always do, if we have the Xtreme Team Bull Riders back. They are extremely popular and I would imagine they would probably be back if they wish."

Agostini said the Lions have always and will continue to provide a great country fair.

"The Berlin Lions Club will continue to provide a safe and comfortable fair for all to enjoy," he said. "When we see there is an unsafe condition we will act immediately and correct it. If an accident or injury occurs we take immediate steps to correct it. We look forward to providing great Berlin Fairs for years to come."

Editor's Note: Berlin Patch Local Editor Robert Mayer is a member of the Berlin Lions Club.