Cowboys and cowgirls will strap on their leather boots to compete in the eighth annual Thunder in the Pearl PCA Rodeo. On Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m., the Poplarville Fairground will transform into a rodeo competition welcoming hundreds of contestants and spectators from the southeastern region, said Pearl River County Administrator Adrain Lumpkin.

For the past eight years, Pearl River County has hosted the event along with the Professional Cowboy Association, which sanctions more than 100 rodeos annually in the southeast region, according to the PCA’s website.

“Rodeos have been big in this county since I was a kid but then it died out a little so we started it eight years ago to keep providing good rodeos in the area,” Lumpkin said.

During the two-day event, contestants will vie for cash prizes and a chance to advance to the finals, which will be held in January at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.

The event will also feature food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment for spectators, Lumpkin said.

County residents still have a chance to register to compete in the rodeo. Contestants can ride without PCA membership by getting a permit, which can be found on the PCA’s website at pcarodeo.com.

Lumpkin hopes the event will be a success like in years past.

“We always have a good lineup of contestants from three to four states competing here. We work hard every year and want to keep it going,” Lumpkin said.

Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and free for children under 5. The Poplarville Fairground is located on Hwy. 26 W.