The adult-only tournament, free to active area ranchers and farmers, will bring Ag business people together with farmers and ranchers for a day of fun and relaxation. Area businesses will sponsor the teams, the holes, the carts and the barbecue. Area farmers and ranchers and their wives participate for free. This is a way for businesses to show rural folks how much we appreciate their business, says Sharon Rau, spokesperson for the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.

The tournament begins at 8 a.m. on July 16. A barbecue luncheon will follow the completion of the tournament.

Organizers of the event hope all active farmers and ranchers, along with their wives, take advantage of this free golfing opportunity, regardless of their golfing skills. Organizers will assign participants in teams of four golfers each, using a scramble format. If possible, teams will consist of two farmers or ranchers and two members of the business community.

This golfing event drew a huge response last year. Due to the large response, coupled with the fact that last year the Sidney Country Club only had nine holes, the Chamber regretfully had to turn people away, something Rau does not anticipate happening this year. We have 18 holes this year, Rau points out. We can accommodate many more teams so we dont anticipate having to turn anyone away. We had a wonderful response last year, and we hope for that same response this year.

Rau expects the second annual Ag Appreciation Golf Tournament will provide participants with a lot of fun. This event was new last year, and we are planning for added growth, with more businesses involved, she comments. We want to have as many businesses involved as possible so we can convey to area farmers and ranchers how much they are appreciated.

She adds, We hope to have giveaways at every hole.

Those people interested in registering for the Ag Appreciation Golf Tournament can register at the Sidney Chamber office.