By far one of the biggest events in the region, every year thousands of barrel racers battle the clock at the Four States Fairgrounds over a three-day period, and it is all FREE for spectators!
The Runnin WJ Ranch Benefit Barrel Race is held at the Four States Fairgrounds located at 3700 East 50th Street, in Texarkana, Arkansas. We are talking 3 days, 3 races, thousands of dollars, and thousands of riders!
From runninwjbarrelrace.com:
The Runnin WJ Benefit Barrel Race is an annual divisional race that benefits the Runnin WJ Therapeutic Riding Center. The race takes place in Texarkana, AR, at the Four States Fairgrounds in an air-conditioned coliseum, surrounded by a covered warm-up arena, covered stall area and plenty of RV hookups.
2023 marks the 16th year of the event. The first Runnin’ WJ Barrel Race took place in 2008 with about 200 entries and has grown beyond anything that could be imagined.
Now the race dates are June 9, 10, and 11, but there will be exhibitions inside the arena all week…
June 6, 7, & 8:
Exhibitions in the Main Arena are sold in time slots at the Entry Office table for a spot. $5 cash each. Exhibitions times are as follows:
Tuesday, June 6th, 3pm – 9pm
Wednesday, June 7th , 9:30am – 9pm
Thursday, June 8th 9:30am – 6:3opm
June 9, 2023:
Friday 5D Open $1000 Added
Books open 8:30am. Friday Open starts at 9 am. No exhibitions.
See Dress Code and Rules. Shop the vendor booths!
June 10, 2023:
Saturday 5D Open $5,000 Added & $50,000 (FF)
Books open 7:30. Saturday Open starts at 8 am. No exhibitions.
See Dress Code and Rules. Shop the vendor booths before they leave Sunday!
In addition to Saturday’s $5000 Added, there is also a Future Fortunes $50,000 Added side pot.
Student Showcase & Annual Tack Walk at 4pm
Join us in the Arena for the Student Showcase. Directly after you are invited to the Annual Tack Walk.
No sign-up, just bring a $5 bill.
June 11, 2023:
Sunday 5D Open $ 5000 Added
Church service 7:30 am.
Books open 7:30am. Sunday Open starts at 8 am.
No exhibitions. See Dress Code.
For more information contact Patti Moore at 903.244.2306 or email pattimoore0419@gmail.com.