Cowboys, cowgirls and a small town Saturday night

With the sun fading in the western Nebraska sky, people from the area packed into the stands at the Kimball Fairgrounds to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the Fifth Annual Kimball Ranch Rodeo.

Eight rodeo teams from several states competed in five events Saturday night: saddle bronc riding, trailering, team-tying, branding and doctoring and wild cow milking - all vying for an array of prizes ranging from cash to an impressive set of belt buckles.

For the fans present, the event lived up to its reputation, remaining both entertaining and exciting.

“I think this Kimball Ranch Rodeo was really good,” said Floyd Hein Jr. “I enjoyed all the events and had a few friends in it.”

Several local organizations including the Kimball High School cheerleading team and the Dead Eye Shooter team participated, selling raffle tickets and operating the grill, giving those in attendance several delicious options for dinner.

“That night is one of my favorite parts,” said chairman Alex Engstrom. “After everyone working on it for monthsgetting it all together and seeing it go off and being done was great.”

The committee responsible for putting on the event was made up of Shane Dickerson, Lars Engstrom, Alex Engstrom, Colby Lukassen, Justin Perry, Troy Haas, Sharon Baker and Aaron Uglow.

Baker handled the bulk of the crow’s nest work for the crew, while Dickerson worked as a judge and Lukassen, Uglow and Perry were constantly ready on the ground, according to Engstrom.

When asked whether or not the event will be returning next summer for its sixth annual showing, Engstrom said, “Yes. Teams were telling us ‘See you next year. We’re gonna keep doing it. People say they’ve enjoyed it.”