Silver Sage Rodeo turns out a crowd near Clitherall

Photo by Chad Koenen
One cowboy dug his boots deep into the ground as he tried to wrestle a steer to the ground during the tie-down event on Friday night. He was able to get the steer to the ground after jumping off his horse, but not before a small struggle ensued.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Silver Sage Ranch just south of Clitherall became a cowboy paradise over the weekend for the third annual Silver Sage Rodeo.

Photo by Korie Koenen
A pair of participants tried to tie a steer during the team-roping competition last Friday night.

Now in its third year, the PRCA Rodeo saw near record crowds at Silver Sage Ranch in rural Clitherall as area residents had the opportunity to not only see a large scale rodeo, but also raise money for local organizations. 

When the Otto’s started looking into hosting a large-scale rodeo they didn’t want to have one to just benefit their ranch, but to help the neighboring communities and organizations as well. Both concepts were focal points by Nicki and Craig Otto and Silver Sage Ranch, who are part of the family that runs the guest ranch.

Emergency personnel from across the region were recognized on Friday night as part of the third annual Silver Sage Rodeo in rural Clitherall. Emergency personnel could attend the rodeo for free on Friday, while a number of them helped to stretch a giant American flag out the length of the arena during the national anthem.

That help includes the Vining Fire Department, who has turned the rodeo into a fundraiser for the group as it looks to upgrade its aging equipment. Proceeds from the rodeo help to offset the rising costs of purchasing things like a new truck and training, without having to solely rely on taxes of local property owners.

“It’s something that we are trying to raise money for trucks and equipment and everything is so expensive,” said Vining Fire Chief Adam Schwartz. “Instead of raising everyone’s taxes it is something that not only benefits the community, but gives us money to help purchase some of these things.”

Photo by Korie Koenen
One mutton bustin’ participant hung on for dear life as they rode the length of the arena. The individual rode on the side of the sheep for most of the event, but eventually fell off just as time expired.

The first year the Vining Fire Department and Millerville Fire Department helped with the rodeo, along with two food vendors and several local organizations. The past two year’s the Henning Fire Department filled a void when the Millerville Fire Department declined to help with the rodeo. A portion of the proceeds from the rodeo will benefit both the Henning and Vining Fire Departments.

In addition to the fire departments, local organizations were able to join the rodeo weekend as well. A number of organizations like the Otter Tail Central wrestling booster club and the Shriners had booths set up to sell items and raise money for their organization.

The third annual Silver Sage Rodeo featured everything from roping events, barrel races and even bull rides.

Friday night’s rodeo took on an extra special meaning for a number of people in the crowd as local emergency personnel and first responders were recognized prior to the start of the rodeo. Emergency personnel received a free ticket into the rodeo, while they were also honored with a presentation in the middle of the arena.

This year’s rodeo featured everything from bareback to saddle bronc, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, WPRA barrel racing and mutton bustin’ for children. 

Silver Sage Ranch is located just south of Clitherall and is operated by the Otto family. The property was originally purchased by the family in 1995 and over the years they have hosted patrons for overnight stays at their ranch, organized trail rides, horse camps and just an opportunity to experience life on a ranch.