HEMPSTEAD, Texas – The first performance of the Waller County Fair and Rodeo is tonight, and, like the other two shows scheduled for Friday and Saturday, will feature numerous qualifiers to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Tonight’s performance will feature a couple of top barrel racers, including reigning world champion Mary Walker, the No. 2 cowgirl in this year’s rankings, and Christy Loflin, Nikki Steffes and Jane Melby.

Also in the mix are tie-down roper Ricky Canton; bull rider Douglas Duncan; team ropers Justin Davis, Kinney Harrell and Jim Ross Cooper; and bareback rider Tilden Hooper.

Those aren’t the only world-class athletes who will be featured tonight. With Carr Pro Rodeo and Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo in Hempstead, there are at least a dozen animals that have performed at the NFR.

It’s going to be the first great show of the weekend, and it’ll be one you don’t want to miss.