The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo is returning to the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie for its 42nd annual event, bringing together ranch teams from across the state while raising money for children receiving care at Children’s Hospital. Kent Trentman of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association says 12 teams representing historic Oklahoma ranches will compete this year. “Every year we have 12 teams from historic ranches across Oklahoma,” Trentman said.
This year’s event will feature a new team, the Zibell Ranch and Bailey land and cattle co from Welch, Oklahoma.
“This year we have a new team, the Zibell Ranch and Bailey Ranch from Welch, Oklahoma, and we’re very excited to have them,” Trentman said. “The other teams have been coming for a number of years now.” The ranch rodeo provides an opportunity for working ranch cowboys to showcase the skills and traditions that are part of Oklahoma’s cattle industry while also supporting a cause beyond the arena.
Ranch Rodeo Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association uses the annual ranch rodeo as a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Foundations. According to Trentman, the event has raised more than $700,000 over the years. “This is a Oklahoma Cattlemen’s fundraiser, and we give to the Children’s Hospital Foundations each year,” Trentman said.
The fundraiser also includes a special event for children at the hospital. On Saturday afternoon, the ranch teams participate in a kids’ ranch rodeo, giving children an opportunity to experience some of the activities associated with ranch life. “Every year, Saturday afternoon, we have a kids’ ranch rodeo,” Trentman said. “Just about every team has cowboys that help with the rodeo, and it’s for all the children that are at the children’s hospital.”
For Trentman, the event has continued to grow in popularity and has become an important part of the annual rodeo. “It’s every year a little bigger and a little bigger,” he said. “And I think it’s a highlight for a lot of those kids that get to ride a horse or rope or just hang out for an hour and a half.”
New Facility Brings Friday Night Entertainment
In addition to the ranch rodeo competition, attendees will have another reason to stay at the Lazy E on Friday night. Trentman said the Lazy E has opened a new facility on the east side of its main building. The new space is approximately 100,000 square feet and will host the Friday night after-party following the ranch rodeo. “This year we have a new deal,” Trentman said. “The Lazy E has opened a new facility on the east side of their main building, and I think it’s 100,000 square feet.”
Country artist Jake Hooker will perform during the dance following Friday night’s ranch rodeo. “This year we are having Jake Hooker come play, and we will have a dance after the Friday night ranch rodeo,” Trentman said.
Tickets are available for those who want to attend the dance alone or combine the Friday night ranch rodeo and dance into one ticket. “You can come just to the dance, or you can get a combination ticket for Friday night and the dance,” Trentman said. “And I think it’s actually cheaper to do both.”
Tickets Still Available
For those interested in attending this year’s ranch rodeo, Trentman said tickets are still available. General admission tickets can be purchased at the door, while additional seating options are available through the Lazy E website.
“There are general admission tickets that you can buy at the door,” Trentman said. “Or you can get on the Lazy E website and get either a VIP or sit at the cantina, or just even get a general admission ticket.”
The Lazy E also hosted a 5K fun run the week before the ranch rodeo, giving participants another way to take part in the event and support the cause. Those who participated in the 5K received a ticket to attend the ranch rodeo, helping bring even more community members to the Lazy E for the 42nd annual event.
With ranch teams returning from across Oklahoma, a new team joining the competition, a growing kids’ ranch rodeo and a new venue for the Friday night dance, Trentman said the 42nd annual event continues to bring together Oklahoma’s ranching community while supporting children at Children’s Hospital. “Every year it’s a little bigger and a little bigger,” Trentman said.
