Country star Tim McGraw sings about lasting 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu in his ballad "Live Like You Were Dying." But the cowboys at Bismarck's Civic Center tonight and Saturday hope to last at least eight seconds a ride at the PBR Bull Riding Challenge - this week's best bet.

The PBR's Challenger Tour is comparable to baseball's minor league. It offers up-and-coming bull riders the opportunity to compete in PBR-sanctioned events while earning money toward the opportunity to qualify for the elite PBR bull riding series.

Action will take place beginning at 7:30 each night. Tickets are $17.50, $27 and $47 (call 222-2121) or at the box office. Additional information can be found at www.bismarckciviccenter.com and www.pbrnow.com.

A free day at the zoo is another best bet for Saturday, sponsored by Evangel Assembly of God, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prizes, entertainment and games will be included in the activities. Call 255-0500 for additional information.

A breakfast at the zoo will also be held Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. Ticket prices and additional information can be obtained by calling 223-7543.

The highly popular "High School Musical" is another best bet Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m., performed by Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre at Sleepy Hollow Arts Park.

Two out-of-town activities also appear to be best bets, one in Minot and the other in Jamestown.

The Prairie Rose State Games will be held today through Sunday in Minot. The mission of the games is to foster amateur sports competition within the state of North Dakota by providing multi-sport educational programs to promote knowledge of physical fitness and sports, improve sportsman like competition and provide participation opportunity and recognition for amateur athletes and the general public. More information can be obtained at 852-7774 or www.prairierose.org.

And Jamestown will be a great place today through Sunday to view classic cars and listen to the thunder of autocross at the Buffalo Rally Car Show/Autocross event. For more information, call 320-9108.