SAN ANGELO, Texas — Friday, students from several school districts in the Big Country and the Concho Valley visited the San Angelo Fairgrounds ahead of the rodeo's first performance.
Nathaniel Salazar, from Sweetwater, Texas, said he was excited to try some of the rides at the Western Finance Carnival.
"I've always been adventurous," he said. "It's kind of fun just to go out and see."
Just outside the carnival, barbecue cooks prepared for Saturday's championship cook off.
Sweet T's BBQ's Tristen Guerrero said he hoped to win by being unconventional with his seasoning mixes.
"I usually use pre-made seasonings, but here lately I’ve been trying to dabble and make my own (and) get a different taste than what people have brought out," he said. "Not saying that theirs is bad, but I just would love to bring my own flair to it."
The carnival will be open from 12 p.m. to midnight Saturday and until 10 p.m. Sunday.