For the Reporter

The Washington State Fair hosts one of the Professional Cowboys Association’s largest events in the country this weekend.

The rodeo and Justin Boots Playoffs begin the Fair’s 17-day run at the Puyallup Fairgrounds, 110 Ninth Ave. SW.

The tournament-style rodeo includes bull riding, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding.

The top 48 contestants in the PRCA, as well as the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racing standings, will qualify to compete here for their share of the purse.

The Washington State Fair Rodeo is sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Five rodeo performances will be held over three days, including:

• Friday, 1 p.m. – Justin Boots Playoffs Rodeo

• Friday, 6:30 p.m. – Justin Boots Playoffs Rodeo followed by Clay Walker concert/Dancin’ in the Dirt Party

• Saturday, 1 p.m. – Justin Boots Playoffs Rodeo

• Saturday, 6:30 p.m. – Justin Boots Playoffs Rodeo followed by Colt Ford concert/Dancin’ in the Dirt Party

• Sunday, 1 p.m. – Justin Playoffs Rodeo Puyallup finals

Shortly after the rodeo is over on both Friday and Saturday (approximately 9 p.m.), the rodeo party of the year begins. Part of that party includes Walker performing on Friday night, and Ford on Saturday. All 6:30 p.m. ticket holders have free VIP access to the Dancin’ in the Dirt Party. Tickets for the rodeo and concerts may be purchased online at www.thefair.com/tickets/.

The Fair

The Washington State Fair is one of the biggest fairs in the world, and the largest in the Pacific Northwest. It started in 1900 in Puyallup, and welcomes over one million guests to the single largest attended event in the state. Star-studded entertainment, the PRCA Rodeo, rides, exhibits, food, flowers and animals are mainstays of the 17-day event in September. For more info about the Sept. 5-21 Fair, visit www.thefair.com.