Thousands turn out for Freedom Rodeo, despite heat

BASIN CITY — Thousands of rodeo fans turned out June 25-26 to watch the second Freedom Rodeo.

Temperatures neared 100 degrees at performance time Friday night and topped 105 degrees 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.

In addition to regular events, the Freedom Rodeo had a large field of young competitors in mutton bustin', calf riding, a calf scramble, and a chicken scramble. Adults took to the arena for two rounds of wild cow milking each night.

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