story by Rayne Sher
On May 28, 2016, the Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande, Ohio, hosted the cowboys and cowgirls of the Mid States Rodeo Association (MSRA) for the first time. Two years ago the venue hosted a bull riding and last year the event included barrel racing and bronc riding along with bull riding.
The Bob Evans Farm, situated on almost 1,000 acres, was originally built in 1825 and was purchased by Bob Evans in 1953 as a family residence. In 1961 the Evans family opened The Sausage Shop in the front yard to provide visitors the opportunity to sample sausage products made by Mr. Evans and his business partners. The Sausage Shop eventually became the first Bob Evans Restaurant which is still open today. Bob Evans Farms Inc. acquired the farm from the Evans family in 1973 and has maintained it as an active farm and local historical center. For more information about the Bob Evans Farm please visit www.bobevans.com.
The proceeds of this year’s rodeo will be donated to the Rio Grande Volunteer Fire Department and put toward the purchase of a UTV. Rio Grande Township is approximately 66 square miles, but much of the area is rural. Due to limited access in some areas of the township, the UTV will aid the fire department in their ability to reach residents in need of medical attention.
The rodeo was produced by Diamond J Rodeo Company owned by David and Kim Johnson of Oak Hill, Ohio. Announcing duties fell on the shoulders of Aaron Platt and barrel man Shane Wells kept the crowd entertained. In the bareback and saddle bronc riding Bump Postlethwait took top honors with scores of 73 and 69 points respectively. There were no qualified runs in the steer wrestling. The team of Shawn Tennant and Zach Kilgus turned and faced in 6.7 seconds for first place in team roping. Aaron Puskarich earned first place in the tie-down roping with a time of 13.7 seconds. In the barrel racing, Teresa Roberts garnered a first place check with a time of 13.837. With a score of 81 points, Steven Mast placed first in the bull riding. For full rodeo results, please visit www.midstatesrodeo.com.
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