The competition itself features five events: accuracy -- how close the boomerang gets to its origination on return; fast catch -- whoever makes five throws and catches first wins; endurance -- the fast catch expanded to five minutes; maximum time aloft -- how long the boomerang stays in the air before being caught; and trick catching. The best time for spectating will be Sunday around 2 p.m. That's when members of the U.S. Boomerang team will compete against members of the Junior Team.
One more important fact: The event's free. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, October 17, through Sunday, October 19. George Bush Park, 16756 Westheimer. For information, call 281-341-0934 or visit www.usba.org/expo. -- John Royal
Boot Scootin’
SAT 10/18
This town is full of phony cowboys. We live in the fourth-largest city in the nation, yet we still feel the need to live up to our Western stereotype, even if that means donning pink leather boots and striped pastels to two-step in Inner Loop honky-tonks. Here's a tip for all the rhinestone rustlers out there: If your boots have never tasted manure, then you might be a redneck, but you definitely ain't a cowboy. This weekend brings the chance to scuff up those boots at the SIRE Ride-A-Thon, where a whole day of bronc-bustin' festivities is planned, including a 12.5-mile trail ride and a mouthwatering barbecue dinner. 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 18. 7IL Trails in Cat Spring (about 65 miles west of Houston). For directions or more information, call 281-469-7269 or visit www.sire-htec.org. $25 to $60. -- Keith Plocek