Glacial Ridge Trail/Ring of Fire bull riding

GLACIAL RIDGE TRAIL travel a scenic byway

A220-mile route through lakes, woods and farmlands, the Glacial Ridge Trail is officially designated a Minnesota State Scenic Byway and is a great getaway for those looking for a relaxing drive.

This byway consists of several loops in the countryside between Willmar and Glenwood, with extensions to Alexandria and Sauk Centre for a total of 245 miles and allows you to create your own adventure.

Travelers can select their own points of interest along the drive through rolling terrain filled with lakes, woods, prairie and farmland – scenes that change with the seasons.

Highlighted by three state parks – Sibley, Monson and Glacial Lakes – the byway has plenty of great stopping spots good for hiking, bird watching and fishing.

The area was formed by massive glaciers as they covered the land then melted, leaving behind many unique ridges and hills.

When the United States expanded westward in the 1850s, settlers moved into the area and have left their mark through their rich cultural history.

To find out more about the scenic byway, visit www. glacialridgebyway.com.

RING OF FIREbull ride

This ain’t their first rodeo. Some of the best bull riders in the upper Midwest will be deep in the action during the Ring of Fire Bull Ride event in Parkers Prairie. A major fundraiser for the Parkers Prairie Fire Department, the Ring of Fire Bull Ride first kicked off in 2017 to the great delight of riders and spectators, becoming a major event for the community.

This year’s event will be Friday, August 6 with gates opening at 5 p.m. and bull riding beginning at 7 p.m.

And if you like good live music, especially country and classic rock, a free concert by The Mud Dogs will follow the action.

The Parkers Prairie Fire Department contracted with Triple B Rodeo Company and Mirror W Productions to create this event, which has been a major draw for the town and the surrounding areas.

With $7,500 in prize money, the field of riders will include some of the most accomplished riders in the upper Midwest as well as local amateurs, all trying to keep their seat on a twisting, bucking bull for 8 seconds.

Along with the bull ride and concert, there will be food and drink vendors during this family-friendly event.

With just 1,200 general admission tickets available and none sold at the door, tickets can be purchased at Dick’s Standard/Gappa Oil, Sammy’s One Stop and Quick’s NAPA in Parkers Prairie. Only guests with a valid ticket will be allowed entry into the bull riding area. Children 5 years of age and younger or retired Parkers Prairie Fire Department members do not need a ticket.