The 73rd Annual Llano Rodeo blasts out of the chute Friday and Saturday night beginning at 8 p.m. at the Llano County Community Center.

Once again, the Lester Meier Rodeo Company will run the event, featuring Jeff “Slim” Garner. Meier has produced the event for the last 24 years.

The event officially kicks off tonight (Wednesday) with a 6 p.m. Llano County Team Roping Championship.

Thursday will be a rodeo kickoff mixer and sponsor appreciation event at Joe’s Bar with music by Jerry Coke and Texas Legend.

Friday, the rodeo kicks off at 8 p.m.

Saturday will feature the rodeo parade at 10 a.m. followed by the 25th Annual Boy Scout Barbecue on the courthouse lawn, hosted by local troop 301.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a NRCHA Ranch Cuttin’ Horse Contest. Then, the action will start all over again at 8 p.m. for the second night of the rodeo.

Saturday at 10 p.m. there will be a dance featuring the Cross Country Band in the community center.

Tickets in advance are $4 for children and $5 at the gate and $8 in advance for adults, $10 at the gate.

Advance tickets are available at the Llano Chamber of Commerce, Llano Feed & Supply and Hasse’s True Value Hardware.

Contact the chamber at (325) 247-5354 or log on to www.llanochamber.com.