RanchFest rodeo rides into Copper Hill Arena Sept. 13

A different style of rodeo will romp into the area, bringing some unique events that provide a glimpse into the Old West way of life.

RanchFest will stampede into Copper Hill Arena in Wilmot Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. for a night of ranch rodeo action.

Copper Hill Arena is dedicated to honoring the western way of life, showcasing real-life skills used every day on working cattle ranches. Unlike traditional rodeos that focus on individual timed or scored events like bull riding or barrel racing, ranch rodeos are all about teamwork, authenticity and cowboy know-how.

Events at RanchFest mirror real ranch scenarios, promoting events like herding wild cattle, mock branding, trailer loading and wild cow milking. Teams of working cowboys and cowgirls, usually four to six members per team, compete in timed challenges that demand speed, precision and communication, all skills they’d need out on the range.

Since the inaugural show Red, White & Rodeo in July, the team at Copper Hill has been hard at work to make RanchFest another unforgettable evening of entertainment and education.

One event fans will find when visiting RanchFest is bronc bustin’, an event in which skilled riders attempt to stay atop a bucking bronco, testing their grit and balance.

In addition, there will be team trailering, where cowboys must sort, load and trailer cattle as fast as possible, just like on a real ranch.

There will be calf roping, a classic cowboy skill that features fast-paced action and requires pinpoint accuracy.

And yes, wild cow milking is as wild as it sounds, with teams needing to rope and milk a loose wild cow in the fastest time.

“The Pony Express Relay is an adrenaline-pumping crowd pleaser,” said Allen Seremak, promoter. “This high-speed relay on horseback is a nod to the old west.”

While the adults do their thing in the ring, there’s action for the kids by way of mutton bustin’, which will kick off at 6:30 p.m.

“Kids get the chance to ride sheep in this adorable fan-favorite event," Seremak said, adding there also will be mini bronc riding featuring young wranglers trying to stay on a mini bucking bronc.

In mock branding, teams work to rope and brand a calf with chalk in the fastest time.

Capping off the evening will be a drone light show, an electrifying event that will come to Amish Country for the first time.

“Fans can see a fleet of drones light up the sky with precision, computer-controlled 3D maneuvers,” Seremak said. “RanchFest isn’t just about flashy performances; it’s a celebration that’s deeply rooted in cowboy culture, focusing on hard work, horsemanship, and the unshakable bond between rider and animal.”

Ranch rodeos offer an authentic experience that’s different than a typical rodeo.

While the rodeo action will impress, there will be other activities to enjoy, like the live music from local favorite County Line Band, which will perform before the rodeo and at halftime.

Don’t miss this action-packed night of summer activity at Copper Hill Arena, where the “West Rides On.”

Copper Hill Arena is located at 1600 Dolway Ave., near Wilmot.