Drop in for some bull

To be more precise, a bull is the star of this attraction. And he will be let loose to wander in an arena where up to 8,000 numbered squares will be marked off.

Each number will have been sold for $10 per square.

Winners will be determined by the numbers on which the bull decides to - shall we say - drop his cow patties.

Proceeds will be split between La Paloma Family Services and the Boosters of Ironwood Ridge High School for equipment, warm-ups and league fees.

First prize receives 5 percent of ticket sales; second place gets 3 percent; and 1.5 percent goes to third place.

Ought Plus, 5, is the designated first-string bull, although Tomahawk, 4, will be waiting in the wings to offer his services if needed.

The Western Heritage Arena in Marana, an outdoor arena that promotes a Western way of life and holds regular rodeo-like events, will supply the bulls.

We recently chatted by phone with Carol Seavitt, vice president of the Ironwood Ridge High School Girls Athletic Boosters, who came up with the idea for the event.

"Years ago, when I lived in Michigan, they had an event like this, and it raised a lot of money," Seavitt said.

How frequently do bulls poop?

"I think it depends on what they eat."

How long do you expect the festivities to last?

"They can last 15 minutes to 45 minutes. I expect the festivities to last about an hour.

"He's gotta go three times."

Are they going to feed the bull a special diet in preparation for the event?

"They're going to keep him very well-fed and keep him in his stall - ready to go.

"They're not going to give him anything to speed up the digestive process. . . . Apparently, that's all they do - eat and you know what."

How much moo-la do you hope to make?

"With cash and prizes, we believe we could make $60,000 for the two organizations."

If people wear mumus to the event, do they get in free?

"No, they don't. There is a $5 charge to get in the door."

Do you know any good cow or bull jokes?

"No. I'm a vegetarian."

Perhaps you've heard of this one: Why did the cow wear a bell around her neck? Because her horn didn't work.

"That is funny. I like that one."

Is muttering "cowabunga" akin to swearing in cow-speak?

"Ooh, I don't know. It could be, but I don't think cows can understand that."

When cows and bulls drink, do you think they prefer heifer-weisen?

(Laughing.) "They drink water."

It sounds like you're milking this event for all it's worth. Is there any reason someone should steer clear?

"No, they should absolutely come and see the event and buy a $10 square and make it a fun Friday evening."

If you decide to do this next year, will your motto be, "Been there, dung that?"

"I don't know. I think we might want to keep it clean."

If you go

• What: Cow Drop Raffle, a fundraiser for La Paloma Services, which helps foster kids get placed with families, and Ironwood Ridge High School Girls Athletic Boosters, which assists with fundraising for girls' basketball.

• When: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19.

• Where: Western Heritage Arena, near I-10 and Tangerine Road. Go west on Tangerine Road for about a half-mile, then take a right on the frontage road.

• Cost: $5 admission at gate; $10 per square to participate in the raffle. You must be at least 21 years old to buy squares. Friday is the last date to buy squares. Only 8,000 will be sold.

• Tickets and more info: www.lapalomakids.org