Ranch A launches raffle fundraiser

Crook County’s most famous historic residence has launched a raffle fundraiser to replace the usual banquet that takes place each August or September. The destination is also still open to the public this year for everything from a weekend getaway to a family reunion.

“Ranch A had to make some changes this past summer as have a lot of businesses due to COVID-19,” says Gayle Ryan, of the Ranch A Restoration Foundation Board.

“However, the Restoration Foundation Board feels we have had a relatively good season overall.”

The board estimates that visitation at Ranch A is down about 50% from a normal year. The changes that were made to adhere to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control mostly affected lodging facilities, Ryan says, but these had a thankfully minimal impact.

“We had some cancellations and some that rescheduled for later in the season. Overall there really haven’t been any changes in how Ranch A has been used,” she says.

“It is usually a combination of people that want to enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting that Ranch A offers and also the lodge and cabin for gatherings and that continues to be the case.”

One of the biggest changes, she says, is that the board has opted not to host its annual banquet and is instead offering the opportunity to help support Ranch A through a raffle. For every $50 donated to Ranch A, participants are entitled to one ticket in the drawing.

Winners will be able to choose from a selection of themed prizes, ranging from a commemorative bolo tie, spurs or a belt buckle to a weekend stay in the Pete Smith Cabin. Tickets can be obtained by calling 307-643-3101 and the raffle drawing will be held on September 28.

Meanwhile, says Ryan, Ranch A is still open to visitation at this time. The 645-acre site on Sand Creek near Beulah is owned by the State of Wyoming and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

It includes restored versions of the original buildings, several of which are available for the public to rent for day use or overnight.

“The Lodge at Ranch A and the Pete Smith Cabin are both open and available to rent as well as the beautiful outdoor settings,” she says.

“We are no longer restricted to educational groups only, so weddings, family reunions etc. are most welcome.”

Reservations are now being taken for next summer and the board is hoping for an exceptional 2021.