TEXARKANA, Ark. - The Four States PBR Shootout this Saturday night at the Four States Fairgrounds brings bodacious bulls and brave riders to the arena, starting at 7 p.m.
Part of the Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Series and presented by Greg Orr Classic, the rodeo features bucking bulls along with riders trying to stay aboard the brash bovines.
Brent Talley, president and CEO of the Four States Fair and Rodeo, said gates will open at 6 p.m. with children 3 and under admitted free.
"We're looking forward to a great evening of PBR bull riding right here in Texarkana," Talley said. "PBR bull riding is the professional bull riders, and you'll see them on TV. Many of their shows the finals are televised, and just a great group of talented cowboys from across the country that will be here competing for cash prizes that night and then some outstanding, talented bulls that will be bucking."
The bulls are athletes, said Talley.
"They're professional athletes, no doubt about that, so that's a fun part, too. Some cheer on the cowboys, some are cheering on the bulls," Talley said, "but it will be a fun night there of bull riding, always an action-packed event and we're looking forward to it."
About 40 bulls will be bucking. The event, including the clowns entertaining the audience, will total about two-and-a-half hours.
"The actual bulls are competing against themselves, too, so in bull riding the bull rider's getting scored and then the actual bull is getting a score, as well. Then among the owners, they're competing against to see who's got the best bucking bull and what cowboy can make the best ride on their animal," Talley said. "It's always a fun time to watch the event, and of course the night's just going to be bull riding all night other than the clowns working with the crowd and visiting with them and doing some fun stuff with them."
This rodeo is strictly bulls. Talley said they've had quite a bit of interest from riders, with some who are PBR Gold Buckle contenders.
"Those are the cowboys that have been in the top ranking of the PBR," Talley said. They hail from all over the country and overseas, too.
This rodeo also highlights local youth active in rodeo with mini bulls, Talley said. They've been successful in the International Miniature Bull Riders Association.
"Those are some local talents. We're really pleased with those young cowboys and how they're doing out there," Talley said.
The PBR is their first major ticketed event of the year. They're following state guidelines allowing a 66% capacity.
"We are social distancing and ask you to have your mask," Talley said, noting they appreciate people attending and supporting events at the fairgrounds. They've focused on equine and livestock events. They're easier to facilitate social distancing.
And for the upcoming 76th annual Four States Fair, it's still a go for April 2-11. They're working on getting the official state approval.
(Tickets: box seats $25, adult bleacher $15 advance or $20 day of the show and children's bleacher $10. Purchase tickets at the box office only, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seated parties will be spaced apart. Masks must be worn when not in seats. More info: FourStatesFair.com or 870-773-2941. Four States Fairgrounds is located at 3700 E. 50th St.)