Rapid City, SD – A tradition that began as a way to honor two young bull riders has grown into one of the area’s most anticipated summer events.

The 11th annual Bothwell Bucking Bulls event will take place this Saturday June 27th 6 miles north of Rapid City at the Bothwell Ranch, bringing together bull riding, cornhole, auctions, food trucks and community support to raise money for scholarships and local causes.

Hosted by Thad Bothwell and his family, the event started after two young men who frequently practiced bull riding at the Bothwell property lost their lives in separate accidents.

“We just had a couple young fellas that used to come out and ride and practice at our house,” Bothwell said. “One of them passed away from a car accident, and another one was from a ranch accident. We just kind of started a benefit in their name, a scholarship, and tried to keep their names going.”

More than a decade later, the event continues to support scholarships and charitable organizations throughout western South Dakota.

Proceeds from previous years have benefited organizations including the Suncatchers Foundation, the James Up Foundation, local fire departments, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office and individuals facing hardships.

This year’s memorial scholarship will honor Christy Berkman, a longtime friend of the Bothwell family who recently died after battling cancer. A scholarship in her name will be awarded to a student from Dupree High School.

Additional funds raised this year will support the Suncatchers Foundation, local first responders and potentially the family of Paul Nebel, the longtime Central States Fair manager who died earlier this year.

The event begins at 9 a.m. with registration for a blind-draw cornhole tournament, where participants are randomly paired with teammates. Food trucks and vendors will be available throughout the day.

The evening festivities begin with the bull riding Calcutta at 6:30 p.m., followed by the bucking bull competition around 7 p.m. Attendees can also participate in a live auction featuring donated items and experiences.

“It’s really an all-day thing,” Michelle said. “We have the food trucks and everything already set up starting first thing in the morning.”

Organizers say community support has been the driving force behind the event’s success over the past 11 years.

Those interested in sponsoring the event, making a donation or learning more can contact organizers through the Bothwell Bucking Bulls Facebook page. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the event.

For the Bothwell family, the event remains focused on honoring memories, helping others and bringing the community together for a good cause.

What started as a small memorial gathering has evolved into an annual celebration of generosity, remembrance and western South Dakota’s rodeo heritage.