“Old-fashioned family fun with kids’ activities and rodeo competition just like done every day in the ranch profession.”
Deb Dillner of the Jackson County Fair Association proclaimed that’s the excitement set for the Family Fun Day and sixth annual ranch rodeo Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex south of Holton.
“This will be a fundraising event for continued construction of the complex, located just west of Highway 75 and 214 Road, yet gate admission will be free will donation,” said Dillner, also on the ranch rodeo committee, sponsoring activities with the fair board.
Gates open at 11 o’clock, along with concessions, and pony rides are to be available, until midafternoon.
“Ranch competition starting at noon will feature four member ranch teams exhibiting their skills in events similar to work done by cowboys for centuries,” Dillner noted.
Events include team sorting, steer mugging, steer branding, and trailer loading. “We have an all-girls team for the first time this year, so the cowboys better be at their best,” Dillner warned.
Highlight for little cowboys and cowgirls is the mutton busting for those eight years of age and younger, weighing less than 60 pounds. Signup opens at 12:30, with competition at 2:30. “A stock dog demonstration will be a feature of the sheep riding, too,” Dillner noted
An open barrel race will be a half-hour after the ranch rodeo awards presentation, about 4:30, it was announced.
“We’re having a silent auction of wonderful donated items, including several that are homemade, with viewing throughout the day, and announcement of successful bidders at 5 o’clock,” Dillner said.
“We’ll have a full day of old-fashioned fun for the whole family Saturday afternoon, Sep. 12, at the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, south of Holton. Grab your hat and come join the excitement,” welcomed Dillner, pointing out that additional information is on Facebook.