Cowboys vs. bulls in Mercedes

It’s billed as the “Hottest 8 Seconds of 2012.”
That’s all the time it takes to determine whether the cowboy or the bull prevails in a wild and dangerous ride.
For two days this weekend some of the top bull riders in the world will show their skills at the National Professional Bull Riders Annual Showdown Extravaganza in Mercedes on Saturday and Sunday.
The rodeo ring at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds will be the center of all the action as cowboys will compete for cash and prizes in what is called South Texas’ largest premier bull riding event.
With an average payout of $14,000 for the two-day event, some 35 cowboys will also compete for a chance to win one of three $550 Frontier Champion Trophy Buckles, this NPBR event attracts riders from all over the world including PRCA and PBR World Champions. Several pairs of Olathe boots, provided by the Rios of Mercedes Boot Company will also be handed out as prizes.
But the cowboys aren’t the only stars of the show. Just as impressive are the bulls, quality stock that have competed in the National Professional Bull Rider finals and top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos.
Last year’s competition featured Ronny Kitchens, the 2009 NPBR champion and the first rider to ever receive a $250,000 check at the PBR finals in Las Vegas.
Barrel man for the event will be PRCA rodeo clown Scott “Funky Kol” Messina from Huntsville. With 17 years experience, Messina has reached the BPBR World Finals four times.
Established in 2000, the NPBR has been entertaining crowds for over a decade and is one the premier bull riding tours in the country.
The action starts Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. Gates open two hours before the event each day. Tickets prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children 6-12 and free for youngsters 5 and under. There will also be food vendors and a calf scramble for the kids.