Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Ranch Rodeo set for June 13

Who can resist seeing or participating in an event called wild cow milking?

That is just one of the lively and entertaining events that will be held at the 7th annual Kimball Ranch Rodeo, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at the Kimball County Fairgrounds.

With 10 4-man teams already registered, just four team slots remain available for the ranch events, including trailer loading, branding and doctoring, and team tying as well as wild cow milking.

"The events that we do are based off of everyday ranch work," said Alex Engstrom, Kimball Ranch Rodeo chairperson.

Engstrom said that bronc riding is offered as a stand alone competition, with six entrants already vying for the jackpot event.

Bad Medicine Rodeo Stock of Chugwater, Wyo., provides the broncos, steers are provided by Peter Farmer, and Engstrom Cattle provides the cows and calves.

"We draw teams from Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, and once we pulled a team from Oklahoma," Engstrom said. "Last year we had three saddle bronc riders from Oregon."

Concessions will be provided by local 4-H clubs and vendors selling handmade western jewelry as well as saddles and other horse-related tack will be on hand.

For those with a mighty thirst, there will be a beer garden and dancing will follow with music by the Stahla Ford Band.

"The Kimball Ranch Rodeo committee members appreciate the continued support and we look forward to putting on another great rodeo for the community," Engstrom said. "Every year we give a portion of our proceeds to a charity, memorial or an organization. This year the funds will be given to the Kimball Public Library to assist with summer youth programs."

Interested participants can register up to June 8. The cost is $125 per registration for bronc riding and $400 per team.

Tickets will be available at the gate. Tickets for adults will be $6 and children aged 13-18 will cost $4 while children 12 and under are free.

Contact any committee member for additional information. Committee members are Engstrom, Sharon Baker, Colby Lukassen, Aaron Uglow, Justin Perry, Lawrence Burns, Kelsey Herzberger and Cory Shaw.