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TYLER, Texas (KETK)– Crews are putting the finishing touches on the fairgrounds for the 109th East Texas State Fair, with the highlight this year being the inaugural pro rodeo.

The East Texas State Fair is partnering with Cavender’s to bring a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned rodeo to Tyler, welcoming pro rodeo athletes across the country to East Texas. The rodeo will feature events such as bull riding, barrel racing and team roping, along with entertainment suitable for all ages.

The President of East Texas State Fair, Cody Rosenbalm, explains the community’s reaction to the rodeo:  “We knew people were going to be excited about it, but we were not expecting this level of response from the community. There’s a big demand in Tyler for more rodeo opportunities.”

Contestants are coming from all over the country, including Shayla Smith and Timber Allenbrand, who traveled from Central Texas to compete this weekend. 

Smith works a full-time job, using rodeo as her mental release from the stress of life: “I grew up on a horse, so anything that I get to do on a horse is relaxing to me. I love to train them, and I love horsemanship.”

They are both excited to be apart of East Texas Fair history, potientally being the first rodeo rider a young East Texan sees.

“Western culture is just one of a kind. The people work hard. They love the animals, the nature, all the things that God has created us to be here for. So this allows us to put it on a platform and teach them that,” Allenbrand said.

If you are making your way to the fairgrounds, enter from Patton Lane. From there, look for gate seven or gate eight, and get ready for all the fun! The rodeo will happen at the arena Friday through Sunday, starting at 7:30 p.m.