Sunset Hills Bison Ranch near Malcom is hosting its fourth annual National Bison Day event on Nov. 4

By J.O. Parker
 
       Sunset Hills Bison Ranch near Malcom is hosting its fourth annual National Bison Day event to celebrate our nation’s mammal, the Bison.
       The event, which is slated to run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, includes a vendor fair, hay rack rides and the opportunity to check out the herd of 30 plus bison.
        “Bring your aging pumpkins (non-painted or treated) to feed the bison,” said Bethany Kriegel, co-owner of the bison ranch. “You can bring your chemically treated or painted pumpkins and we will dispose of them as well.”
        Sunset Hills Bison Ranch is located at 1307 400 Ave., just north of Malcom and about one mile on gravel.
        Off-site parking will be available near the ranch for $5 per vehicle. Handicap parking is available at the ranch. Signs will be posted directing the way to parking.
        Admission to the event is free.
        By popular demand, ranch staff will be serving bison burgers with condiments, pickles and chips. Lean bison meat will also be offered for sale, so bring a cooler.
        The indoor vendor fair currently has 12 vendors selling everything from candy to BBQ sauce and clothing. There are also several outdoor vendors on location.
      Fireside Winery from Williamsburg will be offering wine tasting from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the cabin. The glamping covered wagons will also be open for viewing as well.
     GoServe Global missionary outreach will be on hand sharing about grain bin homes manufactured in Iowa and shipped to poverty stricken areas around the world. Donations to the outreach will be accepted.
     A local bluegrass band, The GrassHoppers, will be performing at the event.
   Sunset Hills Bison Ranch was founded in August 2020 by Karl and Bethany Kriegel with eight yearlings and a 20-year-old cow.
    “That cow is 23-years-old and had a baby in April,” said Bethany. “The ranch currently has 38 bison ranging from two-weeks-old to 23-years-old.”
     Karl’s parents, Don and Christy Kriegel, and brother, Neal, are also involved in the bison operation.
Bethany said they love the bison and got into the business as a way to diversify their farming operation. The Kriegel family raises corn and soybeans and Karl is the owner of KDK Crop Services, a custom fertilizer and chemical application company. 
     In 2021, the Kriegel family purchased a fully-functional cabin and located it on the farm. Two years later, the family purchased two Conestoga glamping covered wagons.
   “The glamping wagons have heat with a king bed, bunk beds, coffee maker, refrigerator and microwave all under a canvas cover,” said Bethany. “Each wagon has its own private bathroom and shower a short walk away.”
      There is also a fire pit (for the cool nights) and a cowboy pool (large stock tank) for those hot days.
      The cabin and glamping wagons are available for rent.
      When asked about hosting this event, Bethany said the purpose is to give the bison exposure.
      “The bison is our national mammal,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize that.”
   Sunset Hills Bison Ranch staff host area school groups, leadership groups and nursing home residents who come to check out the bison. The family also gives school presentations.
     “We’ve even had the Iowa History on the Move Museum here for National Bison Day in 2021,” said Bethany.
     Saturday’s event is rain or shine.
    For more information on Sunset Hills Bison Ranch, check them out on Facebook or their website, sunsethills.life.
     “Come shop, play and eat,” said Bethany.