for a good cause

PPerhaps now more than ever, Americans cherish our country’s unique freedoms, boundless opportunities and core values. The values that Americans strive to teach their children--courage, optimism, self-reliance, authenticity, honor, duty and compassion—are alive and well in the character of the ranching cowboy. The Family Ranch Rodeo Fest at the Kendall County Youth Ag & Equestrian Center (KCYAEC) on Saturday, October 3 will give folks a glimpse into the real day-to-day life of ranch cowboys and cowgirls as well as their outstanding character. Differing from a professional rodeo, the ranch rodeo features tasks that ranch hands regularly encounter such as rounding up cattle for doctoring and loading for transport. Ten teams—many from Kendall County—will compete for prize money, buckles and other awards. To reflect the very real makeup of many ranching Family Ranch Rodeo Fest embraces American values key to youth development YOUTH ARE KEY TO THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY AND POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS CAN PREVENT A VARIETY OF RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND IMPROVE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL OUTCOMES. OUR JR. LIVESTOCK, 4-H AND FFA PROGRAMS ARE HELPING TO CULTIVATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS WHO WILL CREATE A HEALTHIER SOCIETY.

families, the rules call for at least one of the four team members to be a female or a youth under the age of 17.

The Family Ranch Rodeo Fest promises an afternoon and evening of fun for the entire family featuring, mutton busting, goat roping, kids’ activities, an online auction, live music, food and refreshments.

Proceeds from the event will support KCYAEC, a 501 ( c ) (3) non-profit that operates with a large volunteer base and no paid staff. The Center is home to some 400 4-H, FFA and Jr. Livestock members who participate in agriculture and equestrian activities, competitions and educational enterprises. KCYAEC supports youth in many ways: • $30,000 in Scholarships, 2018-2020 • Kendall Co. Jr. Livestock Show & Sale (2020 auction record: $1,487,337) • Boerne & Comfort FFA chapter shows • 4-H Horse Club activities • 4-H meetings • Judging competitions • Farm Bureau’s annual, county-wide ag day for school children • Positive youth development programs

This year KCYAEC was proud to award four $2,500 scholarships to Kendall County youth: • Cameron Bourgeois, Champion High School, Texas State Technical

continued on page 26

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K ATHLEEN KOKERNOT, RE ALTOR® kathleen.kokernot@sothebysrealty.com | 830.265.2818

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | continued from page 22

SEPTEMBER 26 BLUEGRASS JAM AT THE AGRICULTURAL 11:00am to1:00pm | The AgriCultural Museum 102 City Park Road – Boerne Every second and fourth Saturdays of the month, bring your instrument and play along, or just come to listen to the Bluegrass Jam at The AgriCultural! (Formerly the Agricultural Heritage Museum) This event is free and open to the public. OCTOBER 3 FAMILY RANCH RODEO FEST 648 FM 289 – Comfort 4:00 pm Ranch Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ to Follow Goat Ropin’ To Follow 7:00 pm Live Music with Gary Glen All the proceeds from the event support the Center, including $10,000 in annual scholarships! BBM

continued from page 25 College, Major: Diesel Mechanics • Cole Dutton, Geneva School of Boerne, West Texas A&M University at Canyon,

Major: Agribusiness • Brooke Secor, Geneva School of Boerne, Texas Tech University,

Major: Animal Science/ Equine Veterinary Science • Abigail Walser, Comfort High School, Texas Tech University,

Major: Biology/Orthopedic Surgery

While the Center is offered rent-free throughout the year to youth, it is available for rent to other organizations to help offset operating expenses. At 82,000 square fee, it is the largest, weatherproof event center in the county, and is ideal for fundraising galas, corporate events and private parties. The venue is situated atop a bluff adjacent to Joshua Springs Park, and offers an open-air feel with beautiful Hill Country views.

Rental bookings have included youth rodeos, youth livestock and equestrian clinics and shows, team ropings, dog agility trials, non-profit galas and large market-day events with approximate-

ly 12,000 attendees at one of them. Many of these Center events have a positive impact on the county’s economy as visitors spend money at hotels, restaurants and stores.

The Center’s beginning dates from 2007 when the Kendall County Commissioners Court voted to grant a 99-year lease of 33 acres of county park land to the Kendall County Jr. Livestock Show and the Kendall County 4-H Horse Club, which support wholesome youth development programs. “The Center is really unique because it is structured as a public private partnership benefiting the public good,” explains Andra Wisian, KCYAEC President. “One of my favorite adages comes to mind—‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ The Jr. Livestock group and the 4-H Horse Club both support youth development, but offer different programming. Through their collaborative effort, each organization is able to have the use of a great facility while sharing overhead expenses and management duties.”

The Center is managed by a 13-member board of directors including five representatives from Junior Livestock, five from the 4-H Horse Club and three members from the community. Current directors are Rhonda Aikens, Kathy Estes, Dale Garner, Russell Garza, Kristen Jay, Joe Lozano, Kristopher Pressler, Mark Weekley, Andra Wisian, Aaron Wyle, Ty Young, Duane Zoeller and Wayne Zoeller. BBM

$10 for adults. Kids 8 & Under free. For More Info: www.ranchrodeo.com

PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19

• The rodeo will operate at a limited capacity. • Social Distancing is required. • As per the Governor's Office, • Announcements will be made regarding social face masks are required. distancing and loitering of groups.