story by Michele Toberer
The show must go on and Dave “Showtime” Meyer is anxious to get back in front of his audiences as the American Professional Rodeo Association events resume, following the hiatus the rodeo world has been on due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dave’s start with rodeo came back in Annville, Pennsylvania at the Shale Knoll Arena where Redeye Rodeo Company held weekly bull riding jackpots. “I grew up a few miles from the jackpots, in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, but my parents weren’t on board for me to ride bulls. As soon as I could drive, I was there every Monday, helping any way I could, and at 18 I rode my first bull. My first bull, and the last bull I rode before retiring my bull rope in 2013, were both owned by Redeye Rodeo. I debuted as a rodeo clown for Redeye Rodeo Company later that same month. I was married with three kids and knew it was time to do something else, but I loved rodeo and wanted to remain in the rodeo world, so clowning was the perfect direction for me to go. God was leading me in a new direction and opening doors; I’m so glad I listened because I’m far better at entertaining than I ever was riding bulls.”
Seven years later, Dave couldn’t be happier about his decision to step into the entertainment side of rodeo, and he’s not only spent thousands of miles on the rodeo road, he’s also built a base of fans across the world. With 300,000 followers on social media and viral postings receiving millions of views, Dave is grateful to have continued support that helps him bring some light into the world and also advertise for businesses and sponsors he believes in. “It’s been a blessing being able to still reach people through social media, and having the sponsor support to do it, while most of my spring and summer rodeos and events have been canceled due to the Corona virus.” Although most know him as Dave “Showtime” Meyer, there are a couple of his characters that have gained him wide acclaim. Jacob the Amish Man, where he dresses in Amish clothes but does the opposite of what any Amish person would do, and the Horse Screamer, where he mocks barrel racers, are two of the “crowd-favorite” personalities he often uses to entertain.
Prior to performing as a contract act for the APRA, Dave held an APRA card for several years as a bull rider. He’s been performing at APRA rodeos for three years now and is proud to have been chosen to perform in 2018 at the AFR-41 in Atlantic City, and the AFR-42 in Shartlesville, Pennsylvania in 2019. “I’m not the typical old-school barrel man. I like to bring fresh, high-energy, family-friendly entertainment. You never know what a person is going through in the stands, and I want to make sure that for at least 2 ½ hours, they can laugh and feel connected and have fun.”
Dave and his wife Becky, who teaches horseback riding lessons, have been married for 16 years and have 3 children, Tyler, 15, Peyton, 7, and Clayton, 3. He’s grateful to have his parents, Mark and Sandy Meyer nearby, and because he’s had is CDL license for many years, he occasionally fills in for the feed mill, Triple M Farms, that his dad runs. “It’s definitely been a blessing to fall back on driving feed loads while these rodeo cancellations have been going on.”
Dave was the IFR46 Comedy Act Showcase Champion and reserve champion at IFR47. “I’ve been fortunate to build a career in this industry and appreciate being contacted to do shows all over the country, as well as in Canada and Australia. I’ve performed at Cody Nance’s Invitational event the past two years, and Dave Martin has hired me to do the entire tour of his Bullride Mania events the past 6 years. Dave is also thankful to be able to count on the support of Kimes Ranch Jeans, and TK Specialties, owned by Michael Bodick. TK Specialties makes protective bull riding vests and has been a friend and sponsor of Dave’s from his very first show.
Although he’s found enjoyment in the extra time he’s had during the break from his fully booked schedule, Dave “Showtime” Meyer is ready to get on with the show.
