The eighth annual River City Bull Bash is returning to the area in September. While fans of the event will still see some great bull riding action, things have changed a bit, making the experience even better.

The Bull Bash, scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6, has changed sites. Long held at the Newland Tractor Pull Arena, the event will be held this year at Meyler Farms Arena in Hertford. The venue will allow for better spectator viewing and an overall better show, according to event coordinator Carey McNeill.

File photos by Justin Falls (ENLARGE)

Top and Bottom: Riders compete in the River City Bull Bash in 2006. The Bull Bash returns Sept. 5 and 6.

"Newland Tractor Pull and the track has been good to me over the years. It's a great truck and tractor pull track," McNeill said. "Where I'm going now is more equine, bovine friendly."

Also, with a different date on the calendar, more top riders are slated to appear.

"This will be the first year in like three or four years that I've been having this event that there is not a Built Ford Tough Series event going on (at the same time), so we're going to draw on a lot of those top 45 guys you can watch on TV every weekend," McNeill said.

More than 70 top riders from the Professional Bull Riders' Enterprise Tour are expected to ride, with 35 riders going each night, battling for a share of the $32,000 purse. Among those scheduled to appear are world champion Mike Lee and North Carolina's J.B. Mooney. Another featured competitor is Chicken on a Chain, the reigning PBR Bucking Bull of the Year.

Along with the bull riding, there will be barrel racing and the ever popular children's mutton busting.

Each night will be a separate competition and tickets will only be available at the gate. Admission prices are $15 for adults and $10 for kids with children five and under getting in free.

"This is probably the best value on the PBR Enterprise Tour in the whole country," McNeill said. "Most ticket prices are $30 or $40 or $50. I'm bringing the same show they have, it's just I'm bringing a value to my fans in Elizabeth City."

For more information, contact McNeill at 335-9245 or 339-2246 or visit www.rcbullbash.com.