The 2009 edition of the SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo won't open the chutes on the actual rodeo until 7:30 Friday night, but there'll be activity on the Ector County Coliseum grounds before that.

Stock show participants start arriving Wednesday afternoon. At noon Thursday, officials will start weighing and classifying steers.

Meanwhile, a Bulls, Blood and Heroes Blood Drive will take place in the Coliseum from 1 p.m. to 6 Thursday.

Competition begins at 8 a.m. Friday with the steer and heifer show in the Outback Arena and the lamb show in Barn E.