More than four decades ago, several riders took their horses to Robert Loder’s place near Marquette for an evening of fun. The get-together, which included egg races and other competitions, eventually led to the organization of the Smoky Valley Saddle Club and the construction of an arena, where every year members conduct a rodeo.

This year’s event starts with mutton busting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31. Another round is set for the same time Saturday, Aug. 1.

Rodeo action starts at 8 p.m. both days.

This will be the club’s 43rd annual rodeo and organizers aren’t sure what to expect, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lawrence Spohn said a recent rodeo at Canton filled the stands as competitors from Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma took their turns inside the arena.

He said riders need to collect points to qualify for national competition in October at Lyons. The top 15 in each category are eligible.

Admission is $10 at the gate for ages 12 and older, and $5 for children, ages 5 to 11. Children younger than 5 years are admitted at no charge. No advance tickets will be sold.

There will be several new events this year, including “ladies breakway roping,” an event that is gaining in popularity across the state and nation, and a “top ride challenge” for bull riding sponsored by Marquette’s Smoky Valley Distillery. A $1,000 prize will go to the rodeo’s top qualified bull rider.

Performing at the Saddle Club event for the first time will be rodeo clown Stormin Norman Ty Stewart.

Rice County Line will provide the music for a rodeo dance from 10:30 to 1:30 a.m. Saturday. There is no admission for those with a rodeo wrist band.

This year’s rodeo is being dedicated to Max Henderson, a 7-year-old Winfield boy who died at home Sept. 19, 2019, when his horse stumbled and rolled over on him. Max was a familiar figure at the Marquette rodeo because of his participation in kid activities.

Other events are planned prior to the rodeo.

Rodeo Run

The morning of Saturday, Aug. 1, organizers plan a 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, and Kid’s Short Course for ages 8 and younger.

Registration forms can be completed online at https://runsignup.com/race/ks/marquette/rodeorunKansas. Paper registration forms can be e-mailed upon request.

The t-shirt deadline has passed and no extra shirts were ordered this year, but participants can still sign up for the Rodeo Run through Aug. 1.

If have questions about the run, contact co-directors Betsy Patrick at (785) 227-5707 or betsy_larson@hotmail.com or Kayley Fleming at (785) 218-9468 or kayleyjo14@gmail.com.

City-wide garage sales, pancake feed

Members of the Marquette Emergency Management Service will serve pancakes, sausage and other breakfast items Aug. 1 at their 26th annual city-wide garage sales and pancake feed.

The pancake feed will be from 7 to 11 a.m. at the downtown American Legion building. There is no charge, but a free will donation is welcome.

Garage sale maps will be available at 7:30 a.m. at the legion. Sales start at 8 a.m. See the Marquette Farmers State Bank advertisement on Page 4 of this week’s Marquette Tribune for further information.