Neal & Martha Slater are very honored to be the 2022 Grand Marshals of the Klickitat County Fair and Rodeo. Neal was raised in Bickleton, as was Martha during her teenage years. From a young age, the Slater’s started participating at the Klickitat County Fair; Neal showed steers, while Martha could be found in the horse barn, much like today. Neal and Martha were married in 1975 and made their home in Bickleton on the family ranch. It was there they started their cattle herd with 25 head leased from Oscar Bealer. While in Bickleton they added to the herd with two children, Jamie and Cody. In 1991, the Slater’s relocated their horse business to Goldendale keeping the cattle on the ranch in Bickleton. Neal and Martha raise quality ranch and rope horses, but are known for their cutting horse Little Peppy III. Like many local cowboys, Neal & Martha spent summers on the rodeo circuit with their rodeo family.
The Slaters enjoyed watching their kids follow in the footsteps by raising and showing their steers and horses. The entire Slater family has and still does participate in the county events; this includes their two grandsons (Justin & Garrett). The Slaters are staples in the County Team Roping, Sorting, Penning & Branding. Volunteers like Neal and Martha are hard to come by!! Neal has been the Jack Davenport Memorial chairman, co-chairmen, cattle director, judge, along with so many more hats. Martha served for over 20 years as the Jack Davenport Memorial secretary & treasurer, and continues to run the Cowboy Auction. Martha stepped in wherever need: advertising, judging, announcer, timer, etc. In addition to serving the Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo, she was the Pioneer Picnic and Rodeo secretary for years. The couple continues to run their herd and enjoy their horses. Neal spends time teaching future cowboys and cowgirls horsemanship and roping skills. They spend their winters in Wickenburg, Arizona in team roper's heaven and spread their love of life to all who meet them.