The day after Mother's Day 1968, 26 special needs kids came to the farm. Pony rides, holding chicks, petting puppies, rabbits, calves, kittens, and feeding the horses through the fence, made up the very first Corey's Day on the Farm. Within 3 years other schools had contacted the Corey Family asking for invitations to the special day.

The event grew until, in 1979, it moved to its present day location at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. It was so successful an additional day was added to accommodate the number of children attending. Coleta decided a picnic lunch was in order and through the help and donations of volunteers it became a part of the Day on the Farm.

From it's humble beginnings in 1968, Corey's Day on the Farm has grown from 26 children to a two day event that is attended by over 1200 special needs youngsters from 4 counties who enjoy a very special day learning the cowboy way. They have their picture taken and put in a special souvenir frame to take home with them. There are clowns and face painting done by students from one of the local alternative schools, horseback and pony rides, hay rides in horse drawn wagons or wagons pulled by antique tractors, a real cowboy neckerchief, and lots of different farm animals to pet and feed. Roping lessons are available from local junior rodeo contestants, and entertainment provided by local singers, choirs, and bands. Rodeo Queens wander through the throng, along with some of the best amateur and professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the country. The biggest draw of all is the horseback and pony riding. Every child, regardless of what physical challenge they might have, is given the opportunity to ride a horse. Volunteers walk next to the horse making sure the rider is secure and safe. Children who can't sit upright or are nervous about the big animal are carried by volunteers who sit in the saddle making sure each youngster has the ultimate horseback experience. Teachers and other supervisory personnel have reported breakthroughs with the children as a result of attending Day on the Farm.

The entire event is run and totally staffed by three generations of the Corey family and loving volunteers. The Junior and High Schools send their "living skills" classes to help. They get practical experience in dealing with children with disabilities and an opportunity to do something very special. Volunteers come from our local law enforcement and fire departments, riding clubs and service organizations. Junior, High School, college, and professional rodeo contestants come from across the State of Washington to help Nick and Coleta Corey give back to the community they love. Each of the volunteers will tell you that it is one of the most compelling things they have ever done in their lives. There are volunteers at Corey's Day on the Farm for Special Needs Children that have been at every one for the 41 years it has been in existence.

Thunderbird Pro Rodeo is proud to be a major part of the fund raising activities that will help keep Corey's Day on the Farm for Special Needs Children alive so that another generation of youngsters can enjoy a very special day at a very special place, learning the "cowboy way".

* It is a rewarding experience for the children with special needs but it is equally rewarding for the volunteers and sponsors.

* This year we are starting The Thunderbird Social Club for the purpose of raising money to offset the considerable expenses associated with Corey's Day on the Farm.

* The Thunderbird Social Club members will receive 2 custom made badges. In addition, the members would be entitled to 4 individual pins which would allow access to The Thunderbird Rodeo and the Social Club Seating area with special accommodations.

* In addition, there will be other social events throughout the year for the purpose of discussing ways to further fund the event.

* If you want to be a part of a great cause click the link below, fill out the form and mail it to the address at the bottom of the form.
Thunderbird Social Club Application

* To view our Mission Statement click here.