Copper Mare Ranch hosting its first rodeo July 23

Tiffin's new Copper Mare Ranch north of Tiffin on SR 53 is hosting its first rodeo at 7 p.m. July 23. Between 50 and 75 contestants from across the country who ride on the International Professional Rodeo circuit will converge at the ranch, 6090 N. SR 53, to compete in a full slate of rodeo events including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping and team roping. The rodeo is the new venue's first big public event. After a two-year planning process, owner Grant Fatzinger said construction of the building and grounds started in June 2021 and was recently completed. "We're really excited to have such a prestigious rodeo company come to Copper Mare Ranch," Fatzinger said. "They put on a great event. It's a whole evening of family-friendly entertainment." Fatzinger himself has entered the competition. Now in his 30s, he has been traveling and competing in rodeos since he was a teenager, he said, starting as a bull fighter at age 15 and riding bulls by age 17. "I've rode with them for years," he said. A few other northwest Ohio contestants will meet competitors from Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida and a few other areas. "We're the only pro rodeo around this area," Fatzinger said. "It's a good opportunity to check out the new place in town, and it's going to be a good time for the whole family." One event to keep an eye on is a female-only roping competition, which is fairly new to the sport. "It's starting to come on more and more," he said. Adults should take the kids along. "Even the young 'uns in attendance will have the opportunity to compete for prizes during a special contest at intermission," according to an event news release from the ranch. Presale tickets are $15. Kids ages 5 and younger are free. As an extra incentive to purchase tickets early, all presale ticket holders will be entered to win an Amazon gift card. Tickets at the gate are $20. Gates open on the evening of the rodeo at 4 p.m. Prior to the start of competition, the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce has teamed with Copper Mare Ranch for a vendor fair, which is included with rodeo admission. Businesses and vendors from Seneca, Sandusky and surrounding counties will be on hand to distribute information and sell products. Companies planning to attend range from custom leather goods from Get Hosed Apparel to online marketing services from Spire Advertising "and everything in between." The vendor fair will be open until rodeo intermission. "Teaming up with Copper Mare Ranch will provide a unique marketing opportunity for our members and surrounding businesses," said Rachel Wynkoop, executive director of the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce, in the release. "We are thrilled to be able to offer this to our businesses and the community. We look forward to the great things that our member, Copper Mare Ranch, will do in the future." Copper Mare's own Rocket Donkey Diner, featuring Meatwagon BBQ, will be on the grounds offering a variety of food options. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/.../international-professional… For more information, contact Fatzinger at coppermareranch@gmail.com.