Thousands turn out for Freedom Rodeo

BASIN CITY — Thousands of rodeo fans turned out Friday and Saturday, June 25 and 26, to watch the second Freedom Rodeo.

Temperatures neared 100 degrees at performance time Friday night and topped 105 at the start of Saturday’s rodeo.

To keep cool, several fans put on canopies on the rim of the arena, while at least one family brought a toddler wading pool and filled it with water.

The event got underway Friday morning with slack competition and a vendor area, compete with giant turkey legs, elephant ears and, of course, shaved ice.

In addition to regular events, the Freedom Rodeo had a large f...