In its 29th year, the Augusta Futurity has become a staple of the area's sporting scene. This year's 10-day show begins 8 a.m. Thursday at James Brown Arena.

Here's what you need to know:

SCHEDULE: Five amateur events fill the first four days of the competition. The Classic and Futurity Open and Non-Pro events run the final seven days. The Classic Open and Non-Pro finals are Jan. 24, while the Western Horseman Cup finals are the following day. The Augusta Futurity Non-Pro and Open finals close the show, Jan. 26.

"The events seem to service the cutters very well," operations manager Sherry Fulmer said.

QUICK FACTS: More than 600 horses and 4,000 cows are expected to run in the arena. Prize money is expected to be more than $930,000.

FUN FOR ALL: The Family Fun Fest will be held from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday on 7th Street in front of the arena. The free event will feature a band, petting zoo, live bull for pictures and a Western town.

A LOT OF BULL: The USC Aiken Benefit Bull Riding Championship, in its sixth year at the arena, is now sanctioned by the Professional Bull Riders event. Fifty-five riders are vying for the top prize of $10,000. The 2007 PBR Bull of the Year, Chicken on a Chain, is expected to be in attendance.

The event will be held 8 p.m. Saturday at James Brown Arena. Tickets range from $16-22 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger.

GET YOUR WESTERN GEAR: Vendors will line James Brown Arena on the mezzanine level and on the bottom floor for the show's entirety. Beginning Jan. 23, the adjacent Bell Auditorium will house a Western Expo with Western wear and handcrafted items.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.

From the Sunday, January 13, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle