Freedom Rodeo returns

BASIN CITY — Freedom Rodeo preparations are in full swing.

This year, the rodeo returns to the July 4 holiday – performances are set for July 3-5 – after being moved up last year to be able to facilitate Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association affiliation.

Rodeo performances are at 7:30 p.m. on July 3 and 5; and at 12:30 p.m. on Independence Day, July 4, in the arena at 100 Park Drive.

This year, the venue will feature new additions to the arena as well as improvements to surrounding seating areas and spaces for administrative offices.

The rodeo was started in 2020 after Gov. Jay Inslee ordered a statewide shutdown of business, venues and even boat launches due to the COVID-19 scare.

Several families got together and put together a rodeo 20 days before July 4. Now, the rodeo has been recognized by the PRCA and the Mid-Columbia Rodeo circuit.

“We are super busy,” rodeo Director Kameron Jenks said.

Since the event last year, Jenks and his team have made the rodeo arena more accessible and comfortable for viewers and competitors.

“We have added more power and seats and grass to the hillsides” surrounding the arena, he said.

Although they are not yet able to confirm the number of cowboys and cowgirls who’ll ride this year, Jenks is excited at the number of competitors that had reached out and were interested in coming to Basin City.

When talking about the history of the rodeo, Jenks said it is “quite impressive” to have the first rodeo put together in approximately 20 days.

And he wants to be sure people are ready to celebrate this year, as well.

“Remember, the rodeo date is July 3-5, as well as other events,” Jenks said, referring to the rodeo and the rural community’s planned Independence Day celebration.

In addition to the rodeo, there will be live music by American Honey Band following the July 3 performance.

On July 4, Basin City will host a parade at 10 a.m.

On July 5, slack begins at 8 a.m. and the main rodeo at 7:30 p.m. The festivities end with an aerial fireworks display after the final performance.