The Garden City Tennis Association presents the 8th Annual Garden City Open Tennis Tournament, which will be held at the Garden City High School tennis courts starting at 9 a.m. each day. There is a $15 entry fee. All participants who register before the deadline receive a free t-shirt. Double elimination, 8 game pro set with Ad scoring and 12 point tiebreaker at 8 games all. Finals round 2 out of 3 sets. Awards will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each division. Divisions may be cancelled if there are not at least four entrants/teams and will be placed in other divisions. Entry forms are available at the Garden City YMCA and Garden City Recreation Commission or visit Garden City Tennis Association on Facebook for more information. For questions, call Heather Kneeland at 620-290-1999.

Join the Finney County Public Library as they explore animals of all kinds with their first Story Walk. Walk around the library, see live animals and listen to stories that will intrigue children of all ages. Come join us for this free event that kicks off the summer reading program at the Finney County Public Library.

Want to know how traditional cowboys work the herd? The Ranch Rodeo is a free event to attend where traditional working cowboys gather to compete and demonstrate skills that are used every day in cattle ranching operations. Although there are some similarities to rodeos that people are accustomed to seeing, ranch rodeo events typically use combinations of roping, horsemanship and ground work skills to create a more genuine presentation of real-life ranch work. This is considered a team event where everyone works together to get the job done. Teams consist of three members with up to 25 teams. Events are doctoring, mugging and penning. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Finney County Fairgrounds Arena. Entry forms are available at www.beefempiredays.com.

The Garden City Family YMCA presents the annual 5K/10K Run, 2 mile walk and 1/2 mile kid’s race beginning near the YMCA facility on the corner of Harding and Center Street. Registration will begin at 7a.m. Every participant receives a free t-shirt and half price shake from the YMCA; just show your race bib at time of purchase. Prizes awarded in multiple categories and kids race for free. For entry forms and additional details, contact Stacy Castoe, Healthy Living Director at the YMCA at 620-275-1199.

The Beef Empire Days Softball Tournament will have men’s, women’s and coed divisions. It will be a 4-game guaranteed tournament. Game balls will be provided. Cost of tournament is $180. Entry information is available by contacting the Garden City Recreation Commission at 620-276-1200.

Rocking M Radio has partnered with Klaus Pellets to design an event to spotlight the amazing beef that we raise and process, along with the chance for contestants to show-off their “grilling chops.” The cook-off is part of BEEF, BEER and BOOTS, Stevens Park, Saturday, June 5th. The park will be lined with food trucks, a beer garden and live music. As many as 20 teams will turn on the heat to become the GRILL MASTER CHAMPION and take home the cash. For registration information, contact Bonita McClure at 620-789-2237 or bonita@rockingmradio.com.

Beef Empire Days, Downtown Vision and Western State Bank has joined together to bring you this annual event filled with food, beer and music. Hero’s Way will have food trucks with signature beef dishes. There will be a beer garden, along with live music and the smell of steaks of the Grill Master Cook-off. The park will be full of people, food, music and fun until 11:00 p.m. For more information, contact Downtown Vision at 620-276-0891.

Area feedyard employees and locals that enjoy barrel racing and team roping are invited to attend this annual favorite at the Finney County Fairgrounds Arena beginning at 10 a.m. Cowboys and cowgirls complete in events that are open to any current Beef Empire Days sponsor employee.

The cattle begin arriving at dawn or before and the excitement level will peak by midmorning when the 53rd annual Live Show takes center stage. Anyone with an interest in the cattle feeding industry is invited to be in the grandstands at the Finney County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. when the judging will begin.

“Beef: Always Essential” is the theme for this year’s annual parade. Garden City’s largest parade is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with an average of 100 entries each year. The parade begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. For entry information, visit www.beefempiredays.com or contact at 620-276-6807.