For the first time in over 30 years, Greenville will have a rodeo come to town next weekend.

The event features the Professional Cowboy Association Championship Rodeo, and it will take place at the Butler County Fairgrounds.

Some of the events planned are bull riding, barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, breakaway roping and team roping.

Even though the rodeo will be the main attraction, there are also plenty of other activities for the family.

“We’re going to have exhibitors like The Barn and a local 4-H group there, face painting and a concession stand,” said Ken Gibson, who is serving as an event coordinator along with his daughter Hope. “Bill Studstill is also going to entertain before the rodeo each night.”

Gibson said that there will be bleacher seating set up for crowds of up to 2,500 people.

The rodeo will also feature performances by Dick Cory, a rodeo entertainer.

“He’s an entertainer along the lines of Gene Autrey or Roy Rogers,” Gibson said. “He does horse and rope tricks.”

Cory will not only be performing at the rodeo, but also at local schools.

“He’s going to visit area elementary schools and give a presentation with some of his act and also talk about not doing drugs, so we’re really excited about that,” Gibson said. “Bo Campbell from Robertsdale is the producer, and it’s going to be a first-rate production.”

Kids can also get in on the rodeo action by participating in the coloring event, which will enter them in a raffle to win a bicycle.

The rodeo, which is sponsored by Dodge Rodeo, The Barn and several other local sponsors, will take place on April 10 and 11, starting at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Gates open at 6 p.m., and admission will be $10 for adults and $8 for students.

For more information, call Ken or Hope Gibson at 382-5500.