Hold on to your hat! Rodeo Heritage Week is set to kick off this weekend.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

The Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo is set to begin celebrating Erath County’s heritage with a week-long slate of exciting events beginning Saturday.

The rodeo will take place Sept. 25, 26 and 27 at Lone Star Arena in Stephenville, but first there’s Rodeo Heritage Week.

Here’s a look at what’s happening:

Saturday, Sept. 19

· 8 a.m. – Cowboy Capital BBQ Cook-Off, Park Your Pony Arena

· 10 a.m. – Cowboy Capital County Team, Park Your Pony Arena

· 3 p.m. – Registration opens for Mutton Bustin’ & Dummy Roping, Park Your Pony Arena

· 4 p.m. – Dummy Roping Contest, Park Your Pony Arena

· 5 p.m. – McCoy’s Mutton Bustin’, Park Your Pony Arena

Thursday, Sept. 24

· 9 a.m. – PRCA Steer Roping Slack, Lone Star Arena

· 5-7 p.m. – Rodeo memorabilia exhibit reception presented by Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council, River North Gallery

· 6 p.m. – WPRA Barrel Racing Slack, Lone Star Arena

Friday, Sept. 25

· 9 a.m. – PRCA Timed Event Slack, Lone Star Arena

· 7 p.m. – PRCA Rodeo Performance #1, “American Patriot Night – Honoring all those who serve!”

Saturday, Sept. 26

· 7:30 a.m. – Cowboy Capital 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Stephenville City Park

· 10 a.m. – Rodeo Heritage Parade at the downtown square.

Route begins at Stephenville City Park, will go north on Graham, west on Washington, south on Barton, then back to City Park.

· 7 p.m. – PRCA Rodeo Performance #2, “It’s Gonna Get Western Night.”

· 9 p.m. – Dancin’ in the Dirt Live Music Concert with Jake Hooker & The Outsiders, Lone Star Arena (free admission with rodeo ticket).

Sunday, Sept. 27

· 2 p.m. – PRCA Rodeo Performance #3, “Sunday Showdown.”

GET TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE

You can purchase tickets to the rodeo at Bradberry’s Best, Capital Hatters, Chick Elms Rodeo Shop & Grand Entry Western Wear, Saddle Rags the Western Store and the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce.

Advance tickets for adults are $12 ($15 at the door), kids ages 6-12 are $8 ($10 at the door) and children five and younger are admitted for free.