DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2013)(readMedia)-- Top dairies competed for honors in the Brown Swiss Dairy Cattle show judged Thursday, August 8 at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Galen Fick of Boyden showed the Grand Champion Female. Lee-Anns Swiss of DeWitt showed the Reserve Grand Champion Female and earned first place in the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor contests.

DeVore Dairy claimed second place in the Premier Exhibitor and Premier Breeder contests.

The Premier Breeder Award is given to the competitor who earns the most points for animals bred and exhibited by the entrant or others during the day's show. The Premier Exhibitor Award is given to the exhibitor who accumulates the most points based upon the day's placings.

Complete results below (name, hometown and animal identification):

Junior Heifer Calf: March 1 to May 31, 2013

1) Roth Dairy, Milford, Neb., Roth WM Deka Desire, 3/29/2013, 68151987

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Wallstreet Quirky, 3/3/2013

3) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres BK Tina ET, 3/9/2013, 68150307

4) Kruses LJ Swiss, Holy Cross, Kruses LJ Jeoy Shylo, 3/26/2013

5) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Dally Banana, 3/16/2013, 68152353

6) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, KB Parker Tiana ET, 3/1/2013, 68149206

7) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Josay Jenna, 3/24/2013, 68151346

8) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, To Bran W Agenda Sonya, 3/4/2013, 68149762

9) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Goodman Dally O Castle, 3/26/2013, 68152041

Intermediate Heifer Calf: Dec. 1, 2012 to Feb. 28, 2013

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Victor Jiterbug ET, 12/1/2012, 68146344

2) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Thunder Ruby, 12/23/2012, 68150871

3) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Mandel Tootsie, 12/7/2012, 68146343

4) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres DG Casey, 12/10/2012, 68150311

5) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah, Codyz Payssli Dalyla, 12/5/2012, 71767651

6) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Raven Prancer, 12/4/2012, 68147843

7) Twin Elms-VU, Readlyn, Siegerts Teaton Wynne, 12/1/2012, 068146041

8) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Lizzie Lively, 12/10/2012, 68148673

9) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Faust Vixen, 12/11/2012, 68147844

10) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, USA Grandslam Guinevere ET, 12/2/2012, 68149205

11) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Total Phanemanon, 1/13/2013

12) HB Holsteins, Marengo, Cedar Way A Monique, 12/16/2012, 68151820

13) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Promised Land Caypep Snick, 12/1/2012, 68147281

Senior Heifer Calf: Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2012

1) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Fortunate-ET, 10/30/2012

2) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Goldrush Piper, 9/1/2012

3) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Frontier Beth, 9/5/2012, 68144697

4) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Faust Brownie, 9/11/2012, 68150870

5) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres DD Daytona, 9/9/2012, 68146658

6) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Gold Rush Maple, 10/8/2012, 68147836

7) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Browns Vegas Viva, 9/4/2012, 68147207

8) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Wallstreet Valery, 10/9/2012, 68147837

9) Natalie, Mitchell and Wesley Hanson, La Porte City, Fanfare Zach Mina, 9/2/2012, 68148060

10) Dandee Swiss, Dewitt, Random Luck Leg Phoenix ET, 9/7/2012, 68147520

11) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Jasmine Janet, 9/9/2012, 68144806

12) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Dandee Galaxy Jamaica, 9/8/2012, 68147521

13) Z-Way Farms, Postville, Devores St Nick Twilight, 9/2/2012, 000000068147785

14) Natalie, Mitchell and Wesley Hanson, La Porte City, Kruses GK Lebron Sue, 9/16/2012, 68146563

15) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Spring Acres Vigor Tina, 9/27/2012, 68145759

Summer Yearling Heifer: June 1 to Aug. 31, 2012

1) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, Edgebrook Galaxy Integrity, 6/20/2012

2) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Frontier Jaycee, 7/24/2012, 68143276

3) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Jason Daisy, 6/12/2012, 68143272

4) Shortys Swiss, Ashton, Shortys Blings Bingo, 8/1/2012, 68149554

5) Natalie, Mitchell and Wesley Hanson, La Porte City, Wapsi-Ana Pepper Genesis, 6/27/2012, 68142482

6) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Titanium Reba, 7/1/2012

7) Shortys Swiss, Ashton, Shortys Cassies Cashel, 7/11/2012, 68149981

8) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Bell-air Emergency Alert ET, 7/22/2012, 840003010631595

9) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Titanium Madea, 6/28/2012

10) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Goodman Gold J Atlee, 7/7/2012, 68152129

Junior Yearling Heifer: March 1 to May 31, 2012

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Victor Jillette ET, 3/15/2012, 68141087

2) ArthurCreek Dairy, Sumner, ArthurCreek Tanbark Venus, 4/10/2012, 68141639

3) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Lolly London, 3/26/2012, 68141288

4) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, K-Valley GS Delite, 3/3/2012, 68140806

5) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, R-Plaine Zeus Catniss, 4/11/2012, 68140605

6) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, KB Tressel Tea ET, 3/20/2012, 68140071

Winter Yearling Heifer: Dec.1, 2011 to Feb. 29, 2012

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Joey Sugar, 12/20/2011, 68137482

2) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Park Ranger ET, 12/6/2011, 68142708

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Cadillac Wishful, 1/2/2012, 68138359

4) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Cadillac Graffiti, 1/4/2012, 68138360

5) HB Holsteins, Marengo, Cedarway Austin Millie, 2/3/2012, 68141807

6) Darryl Banowetz, Charlotte, Wapsi-Ana Total Leader, 1/15/2012, 68137999

7) Shortys Swiss, Ashton, Shortys Cotton Candy B, 1/5/2012, 68142431

8) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Josey Jinx, 1/10/2012, 68141287

9) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Wall St Rory, 12/1/2011, 68139759

10) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Dandee Supreme Pearl, 1/21/2012, 68142219

Senior Yearling Heifer (Not in Milk): Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2011

1) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres GX Tulip ET, 9/7/2011, 68135210

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Cutting Edge Tot Apple ET, 9/5/2011, 68137267

3) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Dusty Diamond, 1/11/2011, 68136434

4) Natalie, Mitchell and Wesley Hanson, La Porte City, Viking Valley Alloy Misti, 9/2/2011, 68136338

5) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVore Blend Tanniversary, 9/1/2011, 68139758

Junior Best Three Females

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville

2) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

4) Galen Fick, Boyden

5) Shortys Swiss, Ashton

6) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar

7) DeVore Dairy, Wilton

Junior Two-Year-Old Cow: March 1 to Aug. 31, 2011

1) Annette Kime, Waucoma, Lee-Ann's Denzel Brandi, 4/10/2011, 68138334

2) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, KRUSES LJ FOUR M SANDRA, 6/4/2011, 68133122

4) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Sun-Made HP Denver Pippa ET, 6/1/2011, 68132693

5) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, Devores Conquest Nanana, 3/11/2011, 68132594

Senior Two-Year-Old Cow: Sept. 1, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2011

1) Onword Cattle Company, Oelwein, Onword Vociferous Virgo, 2/22/2011, 68132093

2) Roth Dairy, Milford, Neb., Uhing Vigor Deka, 10/9/2010, 68127513

3) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, To-Bran S Man Raevynn, 10/9/2010, 68138981

4) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVore Dean Kelsey, 9/5/2010, 68132598

Junior Three-Year-Old Cow: March 1 to Aug. 31, 2010

1) Kruses LJ Swiss, Holy Cross, Kruses LJ Wonder Sophia, 4/9/2010, 68121797

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Pitots Payton, 6/25/2010, 68127745

3) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Redezvous-ET, 6/15/2010, 68128223

4) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres W Jenna, 6/6/2010, 68125193

Senior Three-Year-Old Cow: Sept. 1, 2009 to Feb. 28, 2010

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Quicksilver Wonder Bentley, 12/12/2009, 68118996

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Zipper Twirl, 12/3/2009, 681750

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Legancy Callie ET, 9/17/2009, 68117513

4) Darryl Banowetz, Charlotte, Wapsi-Ana Total Buddy, 12/10/2009, 68117476

Cow Four Years Old: Sept. 1, 2008 to Aug. 31, 2009

1) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres V Chiquita, 6/6/2009, 68112362

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Onward Victor Variable TW, 12/8/2008, 68106602

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Total Mercedes, 9/28/2008, 68108053

Cow Five Years Old: Sept. 1, 2007 to Aug. 31, 2008

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Madison Victory, 9/15/2007, 961233

2) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Victor Rena, 7/18/2008, 68111510

Aged Cow: Before Sept. 1, 2007

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Ann's Bell Star Licorice, 6/2/2007, 961237

2) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Marisa Marlys, 6/6/2007, 959544

3) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Hollywd Miliza, 9/30/2003, 931091

4) Shortys Swiss, Ashton, Shortys Mile High Lime, 3/1/2007, 95669

Lifetime Production

1) Galen Fick, Boyden, Fick Lilly Lizzie, 2/4/2006, 946556

Best Three Head

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

2) Galen Fick, Boyden

3) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville

4) DeVore Dairy, Wilton

5) Shortys Swiss, Ashton

Best Four Head

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

2) Galen Fick, Boyden

3) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville

4) DeVore Dairy, Wilton

5) Shortys Swiss, Ashton

Junior Champion Female: Bros, Watkins, Fortunate

Reserve Junior Champion Female: Bushman Dairy, Calmar, Galaxy Integrity

Honorable Mention) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Sugar

Intermediate Champion Female: Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Bentley

Reserve Intermediate Champion Female: Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Twirl

Honorable Mention) Annette Kime, Waucoma, Brandi

Senior Champion Female: Galen Fick, Boyden, Lizzie

Reserve Senior Champion Female: Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Victory

Honorable Mention) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Licorice

Grand Champion Female: Galen Fick, Boyden, Lizzie

Reserve Grand Champion Female: Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Victory

Honorable Mention) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Bentley

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. The 2013 Fair ends today. The 2014 Iowa State Fair is set August 7-17. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

Writer-Director Vlad Yudin Spent Months With 7 Contenders
for 'Generation Iron'

Myths abound about the subculture of bodybuilding, a sport that took off with the explosion of the health-and-fitness industry in the 1970s.

Back then, the public knew even less about these extreme and dedicated athletes until the release of a breakthrough docudrama in 1977, "Pumping Iron," produced by Jerome Gary and featuring a champion named Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The film has long fascinated Vlad Yudin, writer, director, producer and principal of The Vladar Co., (vladar.com). He has been busy on multiple film projects this year, but right now his focus is the Sept. 20 release of "Generation Iron," created with "Pumping Iron" producer Gary and narrated by Mickey Rourke.

Yudin spent months with the seven bodybuilders featured in the docudrama as they prepared for the Mr. Olympiad contest. He says he came away with an appreciation of how little the public still knows about the sport and the athletes who so compulsively pursue physical perfection.  For one, many people believe bodybuilding is about size - not true.

"It's about developing symmetry," he says.

Here are four myths he says are rampant in literature about bodybuilders, and why they're not true.

• Myth No. 1: Bodybuilders suffer from "negative body image," or "reverse anorexia." Many observers have written that bodybuilders are driven by an eating disorder known as reverse anorexia: No matter how big they get, when they look in the mirror, they still see a skinny wimp. Not true, says Yudin. "The whole point of this sport is to perfect the physique - the goal is to develop perfect symmetry, not to get as big as you can be. These guys are striving for a perfect score in competition. If they see a weak spot, they're going to work on building that up."

• Myth No. 2. Bodybuilders depend on steroids to achieve results. Steroids do not make champions, Yudin says. Bodybuilding champs are athletes so dedicated to constantly consuming the right nutrients on the right schedule and to working out, it becomes a lifestyle. "People think they're just pumping themselves up with steroids, but bodybuilding is a science that requires effort 100 percent of the time, Yudin says.

• Myth No. 3: Bodybuilders have low self-esteem. For some, this may have been true at one point in their lives, Yudin says. Some experienced bullying; others had acceptance issues. But most now have a healthy, even robust, sense of self-esteem. "You can see it in how they carry themselves. They don't do this because of a lack of confidence," he says. "If they did, they wouldn't be able to go on stage and be judged with such intense scrutiny on their physique. They've put in a lot of work and they know they look good." He gives the example of Phil Heath, one of the seven men featured in his film. Heath grew up as a talented athlete and played basketball for the University of Denver. "He started hitting the gym more to train, and became more interested in bodybuilding than basketball," Yudin says. The two-time Mr. Olympia knew he had talent from the get-go and took advantage of it, he says.

• Myth No. 4: Body builders are socially isolated. They get a rap because they dedicate their life to the gym and their diet, Yudin says. They eat every two to three hours and they're in the gym two to three times a day. You just don't see them out and about very often. "But four of the seven men we featured are married. A fifth lives with the mother of his children, and a sixth got married after we stopped shooting. Their family lives are a big part of the film," Yudin says. While he concedes bodybuilders have to be selfish to a degree in order to maintain their grueling schedule, that doesn't mean they're loners who avoid others.

"Branch Warren is a devoted family man who brings his daughter to competitions," Yudin says. "In the film, you see him carrying his daughter through the back stage."

About Vlad Yudin

Russian-born writer, director, producer Vlad Yudin is the principal of The Vladar Co., a media and entertainment production company. New projects include the ARCANA Comics graphic novel and film "Head Smash," and the bodybuilding docudrama "Generation Iron." A second film, "Catskill Park," a horror movie, is also scheduled for release this year. Yudin is currently working with "Game of Thrones" producer Mark Huffam to adapt the historical fiction novel "The French Executioner" for film. He recently published the graphic novel "Head Smash," which will be adapted for film next year. Yudin directed and produced the critically acclaimed docufilm "Big Pun: The Legacy" (2008), and wrote, directed and produced the dark comedy, "Last Day of Summer," in 2009. Yudin grew up in Russia and New York and is a graduate of Pace University and the New York University Filmmaking Program.

Special Guest Maggie Rose

October 17

iWireless Center

On sale Friday, August 23 at 10 am

Nashville, TN --- Sheryl Crow and Gary Allan will co-headline the Free And Easy tour this fall with a stop at the iWireless Center on Thursday, October 17. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 23 at 10 am.

 

Sheryl Crow and Gary Allan are a can't-miss touring combo and a perfect pairing.  Crow is a nine-time GRAMMY award-winning artist with over 35 million records sold.  Her debut country single "Easy" is off her forth-coming Warner Bros. Records release, Feels Like Home, due out September 10. This marks the first country album of Crow's celebrated career. Allan is a maverick in the mainstream country world.  A surfer whose upbringing in Southern California taught him the art of blending rock and country seamlessly in his live shows.  With five platinum albums under his belt, Allan topped the Billboard Country Album chart as well as the Billboard 200 Pop Album Chart in February with his new album Set You Free.

"Sheryl and I met while doing some guitar pulls earlier this year and started talking about doing something together.  The timing seemed right and 'Free and Easy' just came natural to us both," said Allan.  "If we're near you, come on out.  It's going to be a good time."

"I love Gary's music," said Crow. "He puts on the kind of show that I like to go see so I am thrilled to be out with him on tour, and really look forward to be able to perform my new music to the country fans this fall."

Ticket prices are $35.00, $49.50, and $59.50 with a limited number of $99.00 four-packs also available. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 23 at 10 am and are available at the iWireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at800-745-3000, and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.  A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Genesis Health Systems.

About Sheryl Crow:

Since the release of her seven-times Platinum, GRAMMY award-winning debut Tuesday Night Music Club, Sheryl Crow has performed duets with musical luminaries such as Sting and Mick Jagger, released seven studio albums (each charting Top 10, four of them platinum-plus), a quadruple-platinum greatest hits collection and a Christmas album. Her latest album, Feels Like Home, is set to release September 10 on Warner Bros. Records. The album was recorded in Nashville, Tenn. and was produced by GRAMMY award-winner Justin Niebank. She has also been nominated for an additional 27 GRAMMYs, her most recent for 2008's critically acclaimed Detours. Crow is a cancer survivor, has performed for President Obama and is a passionate supporter of a variety of environmental and health-related charities, including the NRDC, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The World Food Program. Crow has sold more than 35 million records worldwide.

About Gary Allan:

With the allure of a modern day outlaw, Gary Allan has won over legions of fans with his signature blend of rugged vocals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances.  He has sold over 7 million albums and released five platinum and gold albums in a row including three that topped the Billboard Country Albums Chart, with his latest, SET YOU FREE, also topping the Billboard 200.  Allan has topped the singles charts with five #1 hits at country radio and has nearly a dozen Top 10 hits to his credit.  He has been described as "dark and dreamy" in Entertainment Weekly, "soulful and rough around the edges" in Playboy and deemed a "maverick" by Rolling Stone.  He has sold out venues as a headliner from coast to coast, appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Live with Kelly and Michael and Jimmy Kimmel Live and has landed on the covers of Country Weekly, Pollstar and People magazine.  While becoming a force on the country music scene, Allan has remained true to his artistic voice each step of the way.

# # #

Quad Cities remains 5 ½ games behind Cedar Rapids in the Western Division second-half race

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 18, 2013) - Third baseman Rio Ruiz led off the bottom of the ninth inning with the Quad Cities River Bandits' first walk-off home run this season for a 3-2 victory over the Burlington Bees that snapped the home team's five-game losing streak in front of 3,351 at Modern Woodmen Park Sunday night.

Quad Cities (31-23 second half, 69-54 overall) had a 2-1 lead going into the ninth inning, but right-hander Juan Minaya (2-6) allowed a leadoff single by Bees center fielder Chevy Clarke and a one-out single by right fielder Riley Good to put runners at first and third bases. Bees second baseman Wendell Soto then hit a grounder off Minaya's leg that allowed the tying run to score and the potential go-ahead run to reach third base. After Minaya walked third baseman Sherman Johnson to load the bases with one out, shortstop Angel Rosa flied to shallow right field, and Minaya fanned left fielder Exicardo Cayones to preserve the 2-2 tie.

Bees right-hander Alex Blackford (0-2) retired the first three hitters he faced before entering the ninth inning. Ruiz worked a 1-1 count before launching the next pitch to the Built Ford Tough Deck in right field for his 10^th home run of the season. It was the first walk-off home run by a River Bandit since Virgil Hill's two-run walk-off home run against Wisconsin June 17, 2012.

Left-hander Brian Holmes gave the River Bandits their best start in a week, as he limited the Bees (23-32, 49-71) to one unearned run on seven hits through the first 5 1/3 innings. He walked three batters and struck out six. His wild pickoff attempt in the fourth inning after a walk led to a run scoring on Good's infield single.

Quad Cities twice took one-run leads in the game against left-hander Chris O'Grady. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez drew a leadoff walk in the third inning and was picked off of first base but reached second base because shortstop Angel Rosa dropped a throw, allowing Hernandez to reach second base. A fly ball by second baseman Tony Kemp and groundout by shortstop Carlos Correa brought in the game's first run. After the Bees tied the game, 1-1, in the fourth inning, catcher Jobduan Morales hit a two-out home run to put his team ahead, 2-1. The lead remained until the ninth inning, thanks to right-hander Zach Morton coming on to retire all eight batters he faced after taking over from Holmes with a one-run lead and two runners on base with one out in the sixth inning.

Sunday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Monday, Aug. 19. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Monday, Aug. 19.

The River Bandits play the third game of the series against Burlington at 7 p.m. Monday. River Bandits right-hander Mark Appel (1-1) is scheduled to face Bees right-hander Pat Lowery (4-7).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits will celebrate Modern Woodmen Park's distinction as the country's No. 1 park with $1 night Monday. That means $1 general admission tickets with $1 upgrades, as well as $1 drinks. Plus, 2013 No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel starts on the mound for Quad Cities. The River Bandits' home stand continues through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

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