Some of the South’s most skilled cowboys and most prized bulls will be in Cumming this weekend for the International Professional Rodeo Association World Championship Rodeo.

An annual event in the city since 1998, the rodeo has become so successful and popular, it now visits twice a year, in the spring and fall.

Dave Horton, fairgrounds director, said there are always seven standard events, including bareback, steer wrestling, calf roping and barrel racing, but “what always changes is the specialty acts they bring.”

“This year we have the rodeo clown Sid McFarland,” Horton said. “He and his son do several acts together. He has traveled all over the world. He’s been doing this a long time.”

The father-son duo has performed at the Cumming rodeo before, but Horton said it’s been at least six years.

The rodeo gets under way Friday night.

While weather is expected to be dry this weekend, Horton said the event happens rain or shine.

With a covered venue at the fairgrounds, he expects crowds of about 4,500, the same as previous rodeos.

The event includes international talent, Horton said, as well as participants from across Georgia and the South.

“It’s just great family fun, because you’ve got non-stop entertainment,” he said. “All the events are on time and when one event gets done, they go right into something else, and if there’s a transition period, that’s when you get the specialty acts coming in.

“There’s always something happening in the arena and there’s not a bad seat from any seat in the house.”