Longview hosts 29th PRCA rodeo Friday, Saturday nights

LONGVIEW, TX (KLTV) - If it’s April, it’s time for rodeo, as the 29th annual Longview PRCA rodeo opened tonight.

With all the stock in place and the contestants in town, the rodeo got underway at the Longview rodeo arena..

“It’s a part of who we are, it’s a part of Longview. It’s grown into the history of Longview for 29 years,” says longtime rodeo worker Julio Arriola.

The event has become a fan favorite over the years, with top notch competition and entertainment acts.

"I've been with this rodeo for 26 years. We've got a lot of great contestants entered every year," Arriola says.

Matt Tarr of Wyoming is the specialty clown act this year, and says it's the simple fun of rodeo that he's in it for.

“Fun’s contagious. If I’m having fun hopefully they’re having fun. They spend hard earned money to come here and we have them to get a good show,” he says.

It is a PRCA event, which means prize money is at stake, and organizers say it draws some of the best talent from around the country.

"There's a lot of guys in the top 20 right now, the year started off with pro rodeo a few months ago. We got a lot of good cowboys, good cowgirls coming. A lot of these guys probably live on the road 9 months out of the year," Julio says.

The rodeo has featured numerous national rodeo finalists and world champions in the past.

From the hugely popular bull-riding to activities for the kids, organizers say the event has become a tradition with many East Texas families.

Weather permitting, the rodeo will conclude Saturday night beginning at 7:30.

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