This Saturday, the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association (GCCA) will celebrate their annual Cattlemen’s Day, with a day filled with activities.
Over the years, more than 90 proud cattlemen have served the organization as president and this year is no different, as President Jared Seeley is serving as the leader of the organization. Seeley, a fourth-generation cattlemen, has always had a passion for the industry, as well as the Flint Hills. Although Seeley was raised in western Oklahoma, his grandfather ran J Bar J Ranch (now EE Ranch) north of Fall River before purchasing the El Dorado Sale Barn and taking over the family ranch, north of Eureka Lake, where Seeley Cattle Company continues today. His parents have also dedicated their time to the industry. His father worked for Matador Ranch and has been working in the field ever since. His mother serves as secretary of the GCCA.
After graduating from Bartlesville High School, J. Seeley attended Coffeyville Community College and later K-State University.
Although he learned valuable things while attending both schools, his passion was being outdoors and doing hands-on projects versus being in the classroom. “I love the serenity of the industry and simply like being outdoors and dealing with animals,” he stated. “There is a lot of honesty and integrity within the industry. It is a great industry to be a part of,” he continued. J. Seeley also attended Tri-County Technical College, where he studied automotive services and worked for the Bartlesville Fire Department for four years.
J. Seeley ranches for Double Arrow C Ranch and creates custom silver work. He began / Custom Cowboy Hardware as a way to make Christmas gifts for his family. The designs have taken off and he has created custom pieces for people all over the United States, as well as England. His creations include, but are not limited to, belt buckles, jewelry, spurs and custom knife handles.
J. Seeley moved to the area in 2015. In July of 2022 he married his wife, Cassi, and the couple resides west of Eureka on Spring Creek with their blended family, Jackson, Harper, Oak and one-week-old son, Tru.
Cattlemen’s Day Events Following are some of the events that will be happening during Cattlemen’s weekend:
Glow Fun Walk/Run
The Gym is hosting a glow fun walk/run event, which will begin at 6:45 p.m., with registration at 6 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 1, on Main Street (in front of The Gym). For more information, contact The Gym at thegym. [email protected]
Pancake Feed
The Eureka Lions Club will serve their annual pancake breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 2, at the Eureka Downs Concourse Building. There is a fee for this event. Tickets can be purchased from any Eureka Lions Club member prior to the breakfast or may be purchased at the door.
Hot Rods & Pancakes
Enjoy a car show, north of the concourse building 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 2, at the Eureka Downs Concourse Building. For more information, call or text Mel at 620-750-0701
Silent Auction
A silent auction will be held from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the Greenwood Hotel. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Greenwood County Cattlewomen’s “You Are Here” agricultural program. The silent auction will continue and conclude at the annual Cattlemen’s Banquet. To donate items for the auction, email the organization at gwccattlewomen@gmail. com.
King of the Prairie Contest
The Greenwood County Conservation District is sponsoring the “King of the Prairie” - Tallest Bluestem Contest. The entries must be from within Greenwood County and the current growing season. Entries may be taken to the Greenwood County Conservation District, 1819 East River, in Eureka, by Friday, Nov. 1, before noon. Entries will be displayed at the concourse building on Saturday, with the winner being announced at the annual banquet. Prizes will be awarded. For more information call 620583-6461, ext. 3.
Museum
The Greenwood County Historical Society will be open on Cattlemen’s Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 620583-6682.
Invitational Cowboy Trade Fair
Shop a variety of local and western artisan vendors during the cowboy trade show at the Greenwood Hotel, in Eureka, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. While there, enter for a chance to win a $2,000 travel credit through Free and Easy Travel of El Dorado. The drawing will be held at the GCCA Casino Night, scheduled for Feb. 8, 2025.
Kids Activities
Bring the kids for games, prizes, a petting zoo, cattle trailer, face painting and more, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, at 3rd Street, south of the Greenwood County Courthouse.
Cattlemen’s Steak Cook-Off
Test your skills as a grill master during the annual GCCA Steak Cook-Off. Must pre-enter by Wednesday, Oct. 30. Contact Dr. Kailey Fitzmorris at 620-583-7190 for more information.
Food Vendors
Food vendors will be set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greenwood County Courthouse lawn.
Parade
The annual parade will begin at 1:30 p.m., on Nov. 2. Anyone interested in participating in the parade should contact Parade Chairman Chad Gibson at 620-750-0049. No 4-Wheelers will be allowed in this year’s Cattlemen’s Day parade. (Side-by-sides will be allowed if associated with a ranch or float). Parade participants should meet at 15th and Elm Streets at approximately 1 p.m. Those walking or riding bicycles should meet at 7th and Main Streets at 1:15 p.m. Horse drawn carriages should meet at Eureka Downs. The parade will march its regular route. It will start near the formerly named North Side Mini Mall, then east on 13th Street to School Street where the caravan will turn south on School Street going past Eureka Nursing Center to 9th Street. The parade will then turn west and proceed to Main Street where the caravan will turn south and continue to 1st Street.
Prizes will be awarded for floats in several categories, including farm and ranch, 4-H clubs, buggies and wagons, non-profit organizations, clubs and lodges, commercial, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, bands and horsemen. Others are invited to participate in the parade.
Those winning prize money in the parade may claim their prize money at the Greenwood County Extension Office during the following week.
Banquet
The Annual Cattlemen’s Day Banquet and Ball is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., at the Memorial Hall. A social hour will be held from 5-6:30 p.m.
Cattlemen’s President Jared Seeley will welcome those attending the banquet. The banquet will be served by Greenwood County 4-H Club members.
Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information contact the Greenwood County Extension Office at 620-583-7455 or GCCA Secretary Michele Seeley at 918-331-6034.
Cassidy Lutz
Family and Community Wellness
Greenwood County • Family and Community Wellness Agent
