There’s nothing quite like visiting your grown child and seeing the world they’ve built. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I spent a week with my son, Clay. It was a sweet, sunshine-filled time together — full of good food, laughter, and more than a few treasures found in the city’s many resale shops and bookstores. Clay knows the way to my heart, so we spent a little time on the beach, too. I couldn’t have asked for a better visit.

Of course, Clay had to work during the day — he stays quite busy in his new role — so while he juggled meetings and projects, I had the chance to learn more about what he does. I’m not sure I ever expected to say this, but my son now works in professional bull riding! He’s the marketing director for the Florida Freedom, a professional team in the PBR — that’s Professional Bull Riders, for those of us who are new to the world of bulls and bucking chutes.

As someone who grew up around rodeos, I thought I understood bull riding. But what Clay is part of now is something entirely new and exciting. A few years ago, PBR launched a team competition that’s taken the sport to a whole new level. Instead of riders competing individually, there are now ten teams representing cities across the country — kind of like how we have teams in football or basketball. These riders go head-to-head each weekend during the season, with a full scoreboard, standings, and a championship at the end. And let me tell you, these teams have fan bases that are growing fast. It’s professional sports with cowboy grit and heart.

Clay’s team, the Florida Freedom, is based in Sunrise, Florida — just outside of Fort Lauderdale. He’s working on everything from ticket promotions to community events, social media, and even helping plan big arena shows with music, pyro, and lots of family fun. I got to hear about some of the bull riders on his team, including a 19-year-old named John Crimber who’s already considered one of the best in the world. I have to admit, after learning all this, I’m seeing bull riding in a whole new light!

But here’s where it gets especially exciting for us back home in Oklahoma — Clay is also helping with the PBR event coming up right here in Oklahoma City, July 11–13. The event is called Wildcatter Days, and it will bring all the action, energy, and talent of the PBR Team Series to the Paycom Center for three nights of unforgettable bull riding. This isn’t just a rodeo — it’s profes-sional sports entertainment on a grand scale.

If you’ve never seen a PBR event in person, I can tell you this: it’s worth it. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of western sports or just looking for something new and exciting to do with the family, this is one event you’ll be glad you didn’t miss. The athletes are incredible, the bulls are powerful, and the show they put on is topnotch.

I may be back home now, but I left Fort Lauderdale with a deeper appreciation for what Clay is doing — and a whole new perspective on bull riding. If you’re curious to see what all the buzz is about, I hope you’ll check out Wildcatter Days in OKC. You can learn more and buy tickets at PBR.com. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Until next week!