Another summer is drawing to a close, but one of Hermistons most exciting and respected events is here: the Farm-City Pro Rodeo.

Every August since 1988, this star-studded event has entertained Hermiston and the surrounding area, and 2011 certainly wont be an exception.

Not only does the FCPR feature the worlds best cowboys, including 8-time world all-around champ Trevor Brazile (2005 and 2009 FCPR all-around champion), Culvers Bobby Mote   (2010 bareback riding world standings champ) and returning FCPR all-around champ Shank Edwards, but theres also a ton of local flavor mixed in.

Nine of the competitors have Hermiston listed as their hometown, while 10 more are from the surrounding areas, which include Stanfield, Heppner, Boardman and Echo.

To me, thats what makes this rodeo so special. The intimate setting of the FCPR arena, where the fans are nearly on top of the action, along with the grit and camaraderie shared in the cowboy brethren makes the FCPR a true presentation of what professional rodeo should be.

Almost 500 competitors are slated to compete this year, and it shouldnt be a surprise the number keeps climbing. The athletes are treated like royalty,  are provided with a place to show off all the hard work they put it during practice runs and live for the moment when the crowd roars in appreciation.

With the small-town feel that Hermiston boasts, along with the FCPR Board of Directors commitment to make this the most high-octane, fast-paced spectacle ever witnessed on an oval of dirt, its no wonder the four-day showcase is so popular.

Well, and the nearly $200,000 in prize money doesnt deter people from trying their hand, either. The FCPR has spent more than 20 years ranked among the 50 most lucrative pro rodeos in America, and its not about to get stingy with the amount of cash up for grabs anytime soon.

Along with world-class competition, the rodeo does a fantastic job at catering to just about everyone who attends.

Theres the Mutton Bustin competition for the youngsters before the pros take to the arena, and of course the mechanical bull for those who want to try their luck at riding that bad boy for eight seconds. If they need some liquid encouragement to ride said mechanical bull, Chute 8 isnt far away.

Last year, an arena record was set in the team roping event by JoJo LeMond and Cory Petska. The tandem headed and heeled their calf in a blazing 3.7 seconds, but hardly anyone saw them do it. It was done during the slack rounds before the main performance, but it still counts just the same.

Bradley Harter tied an arena record with an 88-point saddle bronc ride last year as well. He also won the FCPR average, which alone put almost $5,000 in his pocket.

I think an arena record will fall this year, at least I hope one will, because like the cliche says, records are made to be broken. It would be neat for more athletes to create some history, but I dont want to ask too much.

The records that stand now are very impressive. My personal favorite is the 3.2-second steer wrestling record, set by Trav Cadwell in 2000. To be able to have enough strength, coordination and skill to strong-arm a burly steer to the arena dirt that fast is incredible.

The same stock companies Calgary Stampede, Korkow Rodeos, Corey and Horst Rodeo Co. and Kesler Rodeo Co. are back and provide the FCPR with phenomenal stock.

So to all rodeo fans, diehard and casual, these performances are definitely for you. If you have tickets to more than one of the evenings at the arena, then you are certainly in for a treat.

If you just have stubs for one night, either cram in all the fun that night or pony up the cash for another night.

This is a celebration of western culture and the hard-working folks who lay their life on the line to entertain you.

Show them you enjoy it.