The Kaw Valley Rodeo Association wants you to be tough enough to wear pink.
The association’s ninth annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink rodeo will be Friday, July 24, to honor cancer survivors and raise awareness and funds for Kansas State University’s Johnson Cancer Research Center.
In conjunction with the Riley County Fair, the Kaw Valley Rodeo will be at 8 p.m. July 23-25 at Wells Arena in CiCo Park, Manhattan.
“We want rodeo fans to pack the arena with pink Friday night,” said Gene Klingler, a local physician and chairman of the rodeo association’s “pink committee.”
Spectators are encouraged to wear pink. Pink T-shirts, hats, bandanas and more will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting Kansas State University cancer research. A pink balloon release will honor cancer survivors during the grand entry.
“The pink rodeo is a touching and exciting event, and a huge undertaking. We thank the rodeo association, sponsors and volunteers for putting it on, as well as all the spectators who support it,” said Rob Denell, director of the center and university distinguished professor of biology.
A benefit spaghetti dinner is also planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the First Presbyterian Church, 801 Leavenworth St., Manhattan. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat dinner, which is catered and sponsored by Cox Bros. BBQ, are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and younger. They are available from the cancer research center, 785-532-6705.
Sponsors are still being sought for these events. Sponsors are listed on the center’s website and recognized in a variety of other ways. People interested in sponsoring should contact the cancer research center.
The Johnson Cancer Research Center supports and advances cancer research and education at Kansas State University. Its programs are made possible by private donations. Information is at http://www.cancer.k-state.edu.
