A LOT OF BULL

La Conner is no one-horse town.

But on Saturday it was a one Brahma bull town, and proud of it.

"Little Wick," a 4-year-old purebred Brahma steer, made his way that morning up the Washington Street hill, avoiding the new one-way traffic flow downtown, to take part in the opening of the much-anticipated Wick Peth exhibit at the Skagit County Historical Museum.

The late Wick Peth, of a La Conner and Burlington area pioneer family, was a legendary bullfighter who brought athleticism to rodeo clowning and enjoyed a long award-winning career that achieved national fame, including a widely viewed appearance on the popular TV show "To Tell the Truth."

A Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, his life is chronicled in the La Conner museum's showing of "Wick Peth: The Original Bullfighter and the History of Rodeo in Skagit County," which runs through March 2, 2025.

"Little Wick" was named by his owner, Michael Geerdes, a Peth family friend, in honor of the local rodeo star.

The gentle bull is a fixture at parades and "rascal rodeos" where he entertains disabled youth. His appearance in La Conner last weekend was a hit.

A 60ish grandma driving on Maple Avenue after watching her grandson's Saturday morning soccer match pulled into the old COA parking lot when she spotted "Little Wick" and his rider at the intersection with Washington Street. Her request to give "Little Wick" a smooch was granted.

"He was sweet," said the unnamed woman, who grew up on a farm near Burlington. "He was a little shy about getting kissed, though."

Many others also offered warm greetings to "Little Wick," who hung out next to the museum parking lot, as they made their way inside for the day's opening ceremonies and program, which included heartfelt stories of Wick Peth shared by friends and family members.

Wick Peth, a son of John and Florence Peth, passed away in 2019 at age 89. He lived his entire life on the family farm and cattle ranch near Edison. The family contracted rodeo livestock throughout the Pacific Northwest, and Wick, whose given name was Melvin, devoted much time to studying bulls so he could better protect riders on the regional rodeo circuit.

Eventually he became renowned himself in professional rodeo bullfighting, working and performing at events in the U.S. and Canada, and is often referred to as the "original bullfighter" who changed the job from part-time clown into full-time protector.

According to a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association News account, the athletic Peth had little or no interest in being funny for rodeo audiences. He concentrated on saving bull riders.

The subject of a 1963 LIFE magazine feature story, Peth at 5-6 and 170 pounds was admired for his ability to turn back bulls and save hung-up or fallen riders.

Two-time bull riding champion Larry Mahan told PRCA that Peth "was probably one of the greatest athletes rodeo has ever known. He was in far better shape than anybody out there competing. An incredible athlete, very tough physically and mentally."

The Skagit County Historical Museum, where the Peth exhibit is showcased, is located on Fourth Street at the top of the hill. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

If you missed "Little Wick" in La Conner, mark your calendars and catch him at a future parade or rodeo.