NWR History

“THE WORLDS GREATEST CATTLE ROUND-UP”
In August 2002, the Vankerrebroeck Ranch experienced a catastrophic fire in which 300 cattle escaped into the surrounding countryside. The barn was burnt to the ground, but the community of Norwich and surrounding towns united to help the Vankerrebroeck family. One individual in particular, Richard Heleniak of Norwich Packers, led the charge by gathering more than 15 cowboys to lasso the cattle and return them to temporary penning.

The round-up took more than 40 days with onlookers lined up in cars along Hwy 59. After the dust settled, Gilbert Vankerrebroeck and Richard Heleniak decided to put on a community event with western programming for families in Norwich and surrounding communities.