Working ranch cowboys from several Midwest states will converge on Council Grove for the Fourth of July.
“It’s the 29th annual Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo, Friday and Saturday evenings, July 3-4, in the arena east of Council Grove, just off Highway 56, beginning at 7 o’clock,” announced Clay Wilson, president of the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association (MCYRA), rodeo sponsor.
Sanctioned by the Working Ranch Cowboy’s Association (WRCA), competition will feature ranch teams each represented by four working ranch cowboys. Events are to include wild cow milking, stray gathering, team penning, calf branding and ranch bronc riding.
Points from both evenings’ performances will be totaled, and the top team is automatically qualified for the WRCW Finals later this year in Amarillo, Texas.
A trade show featuring vendors selling Western tack, clothing, accessories and home décor is planned both evenings. A snack shack operated by the sponsoring organization is scheduled to be open as well.
The MYRA Summer Junior Ranch Rodeo, with three-member teams made up of cowboys and cowgirls, 13 years of age and under, is scheduled for Saturday morning, July 4, at 10 o’clock.
Events are team penning, ribbon roping, and calf branding. Entries can be made by calling Wilson at 785-466-1359, and will also be accepted the day of the rodeo.
The Morris County Youth Rodeo Association has also scheduled the annual MCYRA Youth Rodeo, Saturday, Aug. 1, 6 p.m., and the annual MCYRA Invitational Fall Ranch Rodeo, Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m., with a Junior Ranch Rodeo, that day, at 10 a.m.
Details for all activities can be found at www.mrcoyouthrodeo.com.