Fair features bulls, broncs and trucks

The Nevada Fair will feature back-to-back tonight and Saturday night shows at the Carson City Fairgrounds.

Manuel Souza will return today with his Smackdown Bull Riding tour, bringing bulls, broncos and barrel racing to the center stage.

“It’s going to be a great show,” Souza said. “We’re going to bring in all of the top riders and great bulls.”

The following night, the arena will be thumping with a truck and tractor pull where modified trucks and tractors will duel it out, dragging the 4,000-pound Terminator sled down a 300-foot dirt track.

“MLM Motorsports is excited to bring professional truck and tractor pulling to the Nevada Fair this year,” said producer Brian Massetti. “Fairgoers of all ages will be treated to the ground-pounding action.”

The horsepower-packed event will showcase modified four-wheel drive trucks, 8,000-pound unlimited modified tractors and 7,200-pound limited modified tractors.

“Tractors with up to four engines that have never seen an implement and pick-up trucks that will never see the streets will be displaying their raw horsepower as they power down the track,” Massetti said.

Local competitors may also participate in several classes open to gasoline- or diesel-powered trucks. Registration for all competitors will be 2-5 p.m. the day of the event. Entry fee is $40. A full list of pulling classes can be found at mlm-motorsports.com.

For the second straight year, the Nevada Fair returns to Carson on Thursday. The premium book is open at NevadaFair.com for entries in the livestock shows as well as other competitions, including home arts, cooking, homespun items and sewing.

“It’s great,” said Susan Taylor, fair coordinator. “It’s amazing how creative people can be.”

Shuttle service will once again be provided from the parking garage at the Casino Fandango to the fairgrounds.

Souza said the bull riding will bring back some local favorites, including Sterling Ward.

“It’s going to be a really good fit for the fair,” he said. “People want to see buckin’ bulls. It will be a high-octane, fast-paced show. Real life cowboy action.”

It will also be open to children and youth for mutton busting and calf riding.

“It’s fun for the whole family,” Souza said. “It’s going to be a really good deal.”