Reggie Purvis isn’t one to clown around – except when it comes to performing his duties at the 26th annual Civitan Rodeo this weekend at the Covington Center Arena.

After all, it is his job.

“This is all I’ve ever done; it’s my life,” said the Independence, La., native who began bull riding at 13.

By 15, he was fighting bulls and developing his rodeo skills.

“(Being a clown) it’s just something I’ve done,” Purvis said. “There’s something about being in the ring, it’s hard to explain. It’s a love – a love of what you do, and I love rodeoing.”

Purvis said he couldn’t count the number of times he’s performed in Andalusia, but he’s excited to be featured yet again.

“There’s new stuff at each visit,” he said.

Purvis’s magic and comedy acts are only two of the featured events at this weekend’s rodeo.

The Professional Cowboy Association-sanctioned event features exciting events such as saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, calf roping, breakaway roping and bull riding.

This is the third year for the Andalusia Civitans to have two rodeo events with three shows in one weekend. This year’s event has an additional $8,000 in prize money, and is expected to draw some of PCA’s best performers.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Gold Rush will held at 7 p.m. followed by the Grand Entry at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices for children and senior adults age 60 and older are $6. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.

Adult tickets are $12.