Cowboys, cowgirls to compete in Saturday's ranch rodeo

Spectators are sure to catch some interesting sights when participants saddle up for the 27th annual Ranch Rodeo Saturday night at the Rodeo Arena west of Uniontown.

The Uniontown Saddle Club will host the event, which will be part of Uniontown's 108th annual Old Settlers Picnic this weekend. The event is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Rodeo Arena west of Uniontown on K-3.

"When they see the bronc riding and the wild cow milking, they'll like it," co-organizer Wayne Hall, of the Uniontown Saddle Club, said.

Hall said about 11 of the 22 teams that competed in last year's event will return this year. There will be four teams from Oklahoma, some from western Kansas and some local talent.

Hall and his wife, Julia, will furnish the livestock for the event, which will include about 150 animals, from calves to cows to broncs. Other Uniontown Saddle Club members will help furnish animals as well.

"We supply the rodeo stock; they bring their own horses," he said.

Hall said the rodeo will feature five events, ranging from bronc riding to wild cow milking, a branding event, and a double-mugging in which competitors must rope three steers and tie them.

"We'll have four-man teams do these events," he said. "It started back years ago, and it's about keeping the western heritage alive. And it gives people something to watch. I'm sure we'll have people getting thrown off."

Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds from admission fees and concessions will go toward continued maintenance and upkeep of the rodeo arena, and toward a scholarship fund for Uniontown High School seniors.

The Halls have worked hard the last couple of years trying to draw more attention to the rodeo and make it a bigger event.

The 47th annual Old Settlers Youth Rodeo will take place starting at 6 p.m. Sunday at the rodeo arena. Participants can register and enter events from 4 to 5:30 that day.