By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Do you want to see a professional rodeo without having to leave central Otter Tail County? Perhaps you are looking for a fun way to pass a Friday or Saturday night in the waning weeks of summer? Or better yet, do you want to help support some of the local organizations that make up the Henning, Vining and surrounding communities?  ¶  Well the Silver Sage Guest Ranch has just the ticket as they are gearing up to host the fourth annual Silver Sage Rodeo.   ¶  Now in its fourth year, the Silver Sage Rodeo has made quite a name for itself with approximately 4,000 people attending last year’s rodeo in rural Clitherall.  ¶  Vining Fire Chief Adam Schwartz said the event is very family-friendly and continues to find ways to not only provide entertainment in the area, but give back to the community as a whole.

After all, the local rodeo is much more than simply a great time, it has become an important asset to a number of non-profit organizations and fire departments in the area who all help to put the large event. 

When the Otto family started looking into hosting a large-scale rodeo they didn’t want to have one to just benefit their ranch, but they wanted 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.

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.”

The first year the Vining and Millerville Fire Departments helped with the rodeo, along with two food vendors and several local organizations. The past three 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 Henning trap team will have booths available to help raise money for their organization.

“The whole thing goes back to the community, which is really cool,” said Schwartz. 

Friday night’s rodeo will take on an extra special meaning for a number of people in the crowd as local emergency personnel and first responders will be recognized prior to the start of the rodeo. First responders and military personnel will receive a free ticket to the rodeo with a valid ID.

Saturday’s rodeo will feature a barnyard animal scramble where kids can enter the arena after the show for a chance to catch their very own critter. Each night will also feature live music following the rodeo, including Thunder Road on Friday night and Lenden James on Saturday. 

This year’s rodeo features 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.

While camping has been available for rodeo guests for quite some time, one new feature this year is that all camping will be provided free of charge courtesy of Silver Sage Guest Ranch. There will also be a variety of local food vendors during both nights of the rodeo, as well as rodeo gear on sale. 

Tickets are available online at www.silversagemn.com or in person at NorthStar in Henning, Crossroads Convenience Store in Clitherall or BigFoot Gas and Grocery in Vining.