• Serves as primary fundraiser for the organization

This Saturday the Lincoln County Fairgrounds will host the annual Star Valley Search and Rescue Ranch Rodeo. The event combines the hearty way of life from both the past and the present while looking toward the future. Utilizing daily skills of ranch hands, the events of the rodeo also use local and regional talent with farms and organizations that are still moving cows and working the land today.

“It’s the traditional ranch rodeo and we try and keep it entertaining,” stated SVSR Commander Matt McMurdo. “We’ll have eight teams competing for various prizes.”

The event serves as a primary fundraiser for the area search and rescue team which is among the best in the world. Think about how many ways you can get into trouble in the backcountry of western Wyoming. These are the men and women who help you get out of it. Their equipment needs to match their knowhow and having the proper gear and vehicles can make the difference in someone making it back to their families alive.

“This gives us the funds to put people through a lot of training and new gear as well,” McMurdo added. “In the past we’ve been able to purchase snowmobiles and side by sides and a new dirt bike. Things that help us be more prepared and get into the backcountry a little faster and quicker and get people the help they need.”

Fireworks will take place at the conclusion of the rodeo on Saturday night which begins at 7 p.m. It caps off a full day of activities in Afton which will be holding their annual Freedom Festival on main street. Tickets to the rodeo can be purchased at the gate with advanced ticket sales beginning at the fairgrounds at 12 noon on Saturday.

“I thank everyone for their support and we hope to see everybody there at the rodeo on Saturday night,” McMurdo said.