This story is sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
What started as a grassroots idea for a community basketball event in 1974 has grown into one of Owensboro’s most iconic summer traditions. Now entering its 52nd year, the Dust Bowl continues to thrive under the leadership of William “Rippo” Hinton, who’s been part of the tournament since its inception.
“The Dust Bowl started in Chautauqua,” Hinton said. “It was just good basketball. We came up with the idea to hold it at Kendall-Perkins Park — and here we are, 52 years later.”
For Hinton, the Dust Bowl is more than basketball. It’s about bringing people together across neighborhoods, races, and generations. It’s also a deeply personal mission to uplift youth, something inspired by watching his own mother work with children as the longtime director of the West End Access Center.
“I try to give back to the community, especially to kids, because I was a kid who needed direction,” he said. “That’s where my passion comes from.”
The Dust Bowl, which spans 10 days, has grown into a full community festival with basketball at its heart. This year’s event begins Friday, July 18, with Beverly’s Hearty Slice expected to draw a crowd of over 600 on opening night. Other nightly highlights include a gospel program on Sunday, Owensboro Health outreach on Monday, and Mental Health Night on Tuesday.
“Wednesday is Kids Day — that’s my favorite,” Hinton said. “We’ll have inflatables, a game trailer with computers, and food for all the kids. It’s a big deal.”
Each day features games, food vendors, and events, including a three-point contest and a motorcycle night. Local neighborhoods such as Mechanicsville, Dugan Best, and Baptist Town will be represented on the court. Community involvement remains central, with assistance from the City of Owensboro’s police, fire, and sanitation departments, as well as local sponsors and a 15-person volunteer board that helps keep the event running smoothly.
“We don’t get paid. We do it for free,” Hinton said. “The community, the vendors, the fans — that’s why we’re still here. They’re more excited than we are.”
Hinton’s impact on youth sports extends far beyond the Dust Bowl. He has coached for more than four decades, accumulating roughly 40 championships, and has sponsored teams for decades through McDonald’s. He said his emphasis has always been on respect and mentoring.
“My thing with coaching: I never cussed a kid. They’re only 18 or 19 years old — they’re still babies,” he said. “Coaches today need to uplift, not tear down.”
He’s now working to bring in a third and fourth-grade girls division to the Dust Bowl and has been inspired to see his own son following in his footsteps, coaching and mentoring kids in the same way.
“I look forward to this — families coming together, not only the Black community, but the white community too. This is for everyone,” Hinton said.
For the full schedule and event updates, visit owensborodustbowl.org.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times