Volunteer fire departments to benefit from ranch rodeo

San Angelo area property owners are throwing a party worthy of Texas braggin’ to benefit the volunteer fire departments who helped them defend their land against wildfires this spring.

The July 9 event at First Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo features a Texas-size barbecue, a ranch rodeo, silent and live auctions and fund-raising raffles - all in one action-packed day.

“These firefighters did so much for us - now we want to help them,” said one of the organizers, Danny Calhoun. He noted that funds are needed to help area fire departments replenish supplies, repair and replace equipment.

“My place was involved in the Wildcat Fire and I know first-hand how hard they worked,” Calhoun said.  “These firefighters are truly dedicated - it’s in their blood,” he said, recalling a family of firefighters he met with three generations on the front lines in April.

“The 16-year-old son was out there helping me at 3:30 in the morning, along with his dad and grandfather,” Calhoun said. “They’re just incredible people.”

The Wildcat fire burned 159,308 acres in and around Tom Green County in April. Nearby, the Encino fire blackened 12,659 acres. According to the Texas Forest Service, 9,261 wildfires have charred 2.7 million acres in Texas this fire season.

More than 8,000 local fire departments have been fighting blazes for months, saving 11,500 structures.

“We were lucky here - with 159,308 acres burned, not one structure was lost,” Calhoun said, attributing that record to the efforts of rural fire departments.

“People want to give - they want to help, we just need to tell them how they can,” Calhoun said.

Activities get under way at 9 a.m. July 9 with the introduction of teams in the Ranch Rodeo. Starting at 10 a.m., four-man teams will compete in such events as wild cow milking, cow-calf team penning, goat roping and tying, team cutting roping and wild horse races. Teams surviving the morning events will compete in the afternoon rounds. Champion teams will earn belt buckles and questionable bragging rights. Entry fee is $500 per team. For information about entering, call 325-234-8420, 325-657-3777 or 325-234-4277.

“Lunch is free and donations will be accepted,” Calhoun said. “The meat was donated and volunteer cooks are lined up with their barbecue rigs to do the cooking.”

In addition, local businesses have donated other items to complete the meal. Dining music and entertainment will be provided by an area band and musicians, also volunteering their time.

Auctions begin at 2 p.m.

“We have a live auction with professional auctioneers coordinated by Benny Cox of Producers Livestock Auction in San Angelo,” Calhoun said. “Many items will be featured in the silent auction as well.” To donate items for the auction, contact Cox at 325-234-4277.

The Texas Ranger Association Foundation based in Waco is among the many organizations stepping up to help, along with individuals, businesses and cattle owners, Calhoun said. Also lending a hand is the San Angelo Area Foundation, which is also active in helping area fire departments.

“We’re proud to say that we’ve gotten enough donations that 100-percent of the proceeds from the event will go to the fire departments,” Calhoun said.

Among the donated items on the auction list are a custom-made commemorative saddle with the Texas Rangers emblem, a pair of Texas Ranger commemorative boots from Justin boots and a set of distinctive Ranger firearms.

Two 18-month-old bulls were donated by an area cattle rancher and a local dealer donated a John Deere Gator for a raffle prize, he added.

Everyone is encouraged to join in the fun for a good cause - helping and supporting area volunteer fire departments.

“They bore the burden when we needed them,” Calhoun said. “It’s our turn to show our appreciation and support.”