If you have ever gone to a rodeo just to watch the big event—the bull bucks—you’re in luck. On May 22, the Taylor Rodeo Association is presenting its first-ever all bull riding event, the Bull-Nanza Invitational, at the Williamson County Expo Center.
The association will be holding its 71st annual rodeo in July, but members have been eager to expand their event calendar. Director Keith Hagler says the goal is to provide more scholarship money for college-bound students across the county. The association has been given three dates per year at the Expo center and are always pleased to arrive at bigger and better ways to entertain and support the community while doing what they do best.
THE EVENT
Keith explains, “This will be a spectacular event. Participants have to be invited to attend, so we are getting the best of the best. Fans will see 40 of the best riders in the country competing against each other for the first place $15,000 purse. But, not only that, they will be riding on the ‘rankest’ bulls in the industry as well.”
He says the bulls’ athleticism easily equals that of their riders, and they are all ranked based on how they have performed in rodeos around the country. “The bulls are as competitive as their riders; each one trying to do their own, completely opposite, thing.”
BUCK-OUT
The riders’ goal is to score points with each attempt. They must stay on the animal for 8 seconds, but also must be positioned a certain way on the bull; they can’t touch body parts; and must hold their hands a certain way. All the while, the bull has just one job—to knock the rider off.
Doors open at 6pm and live action begins with drills at 7:30. Tickets are available in advance with the code below, at TaylorRodeo.com, or in person at local Taylor businesses.
Keith also encourages everyone to visit the arena starting early Saturday to watch and enjoy the International Barbecue Cookoff. There is no fee to visit the trucks, cookers, and pitmasters at work, and perhaps, sweet talk your way into a few taste tests. He says, “The cookoff is a contest so the food is not for sale, but we will have plenty of food trucks and other refreshments for purchase all day, plus some entertainment leading up to the main event. We hope people will enjoy a great day at the expo and stick around to watch the bulls after.”
Mark your calendars for May 22, and plan to visit the Expo Center at 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor. Organizers encourage guests to be respectful of social distancing guidelines but masks are optional according to guests’ personal comfort level. CLICK FOR TICKETS