‘Rope to Remember’ August 17th and 18th

Cowboys of all ages from all over will be gathering near Victoria to help find a cure for Alzheimers.

AlzCare's fourth annual Rope to Remember is Aug. 17 and 18 at the Brackenridge Main Event Center in Edna. Proceeds go to fund Alzheimer's research.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association website. The disease, which currently has no cure, leads to loss of memory and other intellectual abilities, and worsens with time. This year's Rope to Remember includes a ranch rodeo Aug. 17 and team roping the day after, Lacey Rosenquest, the event's coordinator, told the Victoreia Advocate. A silent auction, live entertainment, dance and more also join the mix. She said the event has grown with time and includes new aspects this year. Little guys have a chance to get involved this time around in a new mutton busting event, she said, while a barbecue cook-off is another addition. This year's team roping is also a San Antonio qualifier, added Mindy Brown, chairwoman of Victoria's Alzheimer's Association. Participants who place will receive points that go toward the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

Last year's event brought about $15,000 that the group donated to the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Brown said. And, while the group has no definite amount it intends to bring in, she said she hoped for about $20,000.

Alzheimer's is the nation's sixth leading cause of death, Brown explained, noting it affects 5.4 million Americans, and one in eight older Americans. Rosenquest said she looked forward to this year's event, not only because of the funding it draws, but because it raises awareness to the public. "It's not such a hush-hush topic anymore," she said of dementia. "People are more willing to talk about it. And that's good. It helps." She encouraged those interested in participating to get in contact soon. The deadline to sign up for the ranch rodeo is Aug. 11, while Aug. 15 is the cut-off date to register for mutton busting. Space is limited. Rosenquest said the group is also taking both financial and silent auction donations.

Admission is $5 at the door Aug. 17, but $25 per person and $35 per couple, for those who opt for a package that includes the rodeo, barbecue and live music. The Aug. 18 team roping event is free to the public.

For more information, or to donate, contact Rosenquest at 361-571-2899