The McPherson County Fair Association welcomed the Central Kansas Youth Rodeo Association seven years ago. There are 10 summer rodeo events (five weekends) in Canton, Kansas at the 17-acre campus in the Tom Miller Arena. From mutton busting to barrels and everything in between the youth of central Kansas come to have fun filled, challenging weekends with family and friends.

 

In the 2013 rodeo season, CKYRA was known as Heartland Youth Rodeo (HYRA). When HYRA decided not to continue the summer series a new organization was been formed and is  now CKYRA. Our first season we had 48 members with an average of 150 + entries a day. In 2014 we had 57 members & an average of 212 + entries a day. Our organization, led by our board of directors, continues to improve the status of our association by acquiring new events, activities and adding to our awards given at the finals. In 2014 we added “Breakaway Steer Roping” for the 2-4 grades and “Ribbon Roping” for the 5-8 grades. We also added “Ribbon Roping” for the 9-12 grades. In 2015 we added 9-12 grades “Bull Riding”, in 2016 we added “Bareback riding & Saddle Bronco on steers for 5-8 grades.” All other events will remain the same.

 

The association is geared for kindergartners through the twelfth grade, but they do accept younger aged participants. For our finals, you must attend 6 rodeos, compete in the finals both days, and meet all the obligations. All events are held at the Tom Miller Arena in Canton, KS. 

 

In the fall we hold an awards banquet in Auction Building of the McPherson County Fair Associations Auction building. It is a very special night.