Local Cowboy Skeeter Thurston, National Finals Rodeo Qualifier -1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1994, & 1995.

Since 1971, a high school rodeo has been held. This event has been sponsored by the Hyannis Rodeo Club and sanctioned by the Nebraska State High School Rodeo Association, offering rodeo events to students from Grade 9 and up. A17 traditional events plus cutting are offered, including All Around Awards to both girls and boys. The Hyannis Rodeo Club members; all junior and senior high school students, are responsible for the production of the rodeo and it's success.

The area has also served as the home of the original Old Timers Rodeo. The first rodeo was held in September, 1974 and was an overwhelming success.

Stan and Doris McKillip; and some of their friends, came up with the idea of a rodeo for cowboys and cowgirls 40 years of age and over while seated at the round table at the historic Hyannis Hotel. Their dreams continued to grow as the word spread and eventually became a nation wide event. Today; there are over 70 rodeos through out the United States and Canada, with a national organization formed in 1979. The national affiliate, National Senior Pro Rodeo Association, boasts a current membership of 2,000. Reno, Nevada has served as the location for their annual Finals Rodeo held in November of each year.

In September, 1993; the Knights of Columbus and S & J Rodeo Stock (owned by the McKillips) joined forces to sponsor the 20th annual NSPRA in Hyannis. The following year the Sandhills Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Knights to keep the rodeo alive. The 1997 rodeo produced by these two organizations, hosted an astounding 254 participants from 19 states and Canada.

The original Old Timers Rodeo will celebrate it's 25th birthday in 1998. plans are currently being made to make this the most spectacular event ever to hit these Sandhills and the Senior Pro Rodeo world.

Mark September 6 & 7 on your calendar. Be an original by attending the original Old Timers Rodeo, an event beyond dreaming.

The Grant County Fair also holds a rodeo in conjunction with the fair. This rodeo is open to any interested participant, most generally of an amateur status. In recent years, the fair rodeo has been approved by the Nebraska State Rodeo Association. At times this approva7 has been extended to include the Wyoming Rodeo Association and the Mid-States Rodeo Association

All traditional rodeo events are offered for both men and women. In addition, a specialty event of Ribbon Roping has added excitement for all the fans. The added attraction usually thrills the crowd with lots of encouragement given to the female runners.

The annual fair and rodeo have complimented the other as an end of the summer event. They offer another event which brings the area residents together for quality fun and entertainment.