A Gathering of Heplers in Hepler Kansas

Hepler, Kansas Website

Travel Information

When the idea first surfaced, and it became apparent that there was a genuine interest among some, it took on a life of its own. It was soon realized that it defied logistics to arrange a formal trip or tour. That being said, we would not be deterred. The arrangements are simple — just get there! The town’s activities are ready-made.
 

38th Annual Hepler Ruritan Club Rodeo
July 3rd and 4th, 2008.

What is a Ruritan? Quoting from a program from a previously held event, this would seem to answer the question.

 “Ruritan is a civic service organization whose purpose is to create a better understanding between Rural and Urban people and, through community service, make their area a better place in which to live and work. The slogan of Ruritan is Community Service, Fellowship, and Goodwill. Club membership represents a cross section of the community the club serves and is composed of farmers, business, professionals, and other concerned citizens in the community. We foster the ideal that service is our only worthy enterprise.”

Keeping that in mind should suggest that our participation is worthwhile.

The rodeo contractor this year will be “C-R McKellips’ Rodeo Company. The events include: Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Over 40 Roping, and Break-a-way Roping.

Special Rodeo Events: Mutton Bustin (sheep riding for girls and boys under the age of 7), Calf Scramble (chasing calves with ribbon’s tied on their tail, age 13 and under), and Bull Chariot Races

The Rodeo will start both nights at 7:00 p.m. On July 3rd, after the rodeo, there will be a dance in the yard of the Hepler Community Building located next to the rodeo grounds.

The July 4th, parade sponsor is the Hepler Hustler’s, the community’s 4-H Club. It starts at noon. We Heplers have been invited to be the parade’s Grand Marshall Family.

A truck will pull a trailer with those of us who wish to ride in the parade. Those who choose to walk can do so as well. We will be first in line and would then be dropped off at the Hepler Community Building where chairs will be provided in order to watch the remainder of the parade.

We will have the Hepler Community Building available to us for a “formal” get-together-and-get-acquainted-meeting in the morning, and, for our convenience, as a place to go during the day. (That will be a welcomed comfort if it is too hot. It can also be a place to rest, if necessary).

Kids games begin at 1:30. They include a sack race, foot race, balloon toss, egg race, and whatever develops. At 2:00 the Hepler Famous Hillbilly Games will begin. It is a team event of 4 and we should consider getting a team together. It is, apparently, a lot of fun and the only rules, according to a spokesperson, are “HEPLER RULES.”

At 7:00 the Rodeo begins and after that are the Fireworks.

There will be concessions on the 3rd and 4th serving Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Sloppy Joes, Nacho Chili Pies, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Candy, Pop, Tea, Lemonade, Popcorn, and Nacho’s, and Cheese. The cost for the Rodeo is $8.00 adults and $5.00 for children. Under 6 is Free. On July 4th, the Family Night rate for 2 adults and 2 kids will be $20.00. Costs include the dance on July 3rd, and on the 4th, the fireworks.

Some other items of interest

Southeast Kansas is full of strip pits from the coal mines. The Big Brutus Coal Mining Bucket and Museum in West Mineral is close by. The huge piece of equipment and the museum are very interesting. The phone # is 620-827-6177.

The Old Fort in Fort Scott, KS has tours and a film for review. There is also Dolly the Trolley, a vehicle that takes one around on the old brick streets of the town of Fort Scott. It emphasizes some of the old houses and the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

The Hotels in Fort Scott are:

Best Western Fort Scott Inn (620-223-6410) (Has restaurant and outdoor pool).

1st Interstate Inn (620-223-5330)

Heritage Inn (620-768-7000) (hotel has an indoor pool).

If  you would like a bit of country living there is a Wyatt Earp Inn Bed and Breakfast at Uniontown, KS

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