Basin City Freedom Rodeo celebrates 7th Year - America’s 250th Birthday

July 9, 2026

By: Katherine Trowbridge

BASIN CITY — The seventh annual Basin City Freedom Rodeo, once again, lived up to its reputation of celebrating the American spirit of independence, drawing crowds July 2-4 for three days of world-class rodeo action, patriotic tributes, and small-town traditions.

What began in 2020 as a community effort during a time of uncertainty to revive a long-forgotten arena, has grown into a premier PRCA rodeo. As one announcer reflected during the celebration, the determination of those early organizers was “similar to what our Founding Fathers did 250 years ago”... Today, the Freedom Rodeo stands as a symbol of western heritage, community pride, and the enduring values of faith, family, and freedom.

This year’s event carried special significance as it coincided with America’s 250th birthday celebration. Visitors enjoyed thrilling rodeo competition, breathtaking trick-riding performances, flyovers, patriotic ceremonies, live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities that honored the nation’s heritage, God, and country.

While not truly part of the Rodeo, the annual Basin City 4th of July Parade has grown right along with the rodeo, and this year did not disappoint with a number of business entries and locals alike. The parade is where flags fly proudly, candy is tossed into buckets, and water comes from all directions as the community and American spirit shine (see photo collage under Basin City Parade).

July 4 also brought an amazing fireworks display over the rodeo arena.

The rodeo action wasn’t just saved for the evenings. Beginning early in the morning, July 2 and 3, Slack proved to be just as exciting. On July 2, Jacee Currin, set the pace in the breakaway competition with a lightning fast 2.2 second run.

While championship performances filled the arena, the Freedom Rodeo also continued its tradition of recognizing hometown heroes and local families. Veteran Alan Rowe was honored for his service to the nation while members of the Manning family once again proudly led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, continuing a cherished family tradition.

Beau and Lane Ellis also took their turn eading the pledge. Their mother, Rachel Ellis, shared, “I am so proud of them for how well they did and the love they have for this country.”

Young rodeo enthusiasts had opportunities of their own each evening through crowd-favorite mutton bustin’ and ribbon pulling competitions, giving the next generation a chance to experience the excitement of the arena.

As the final performances came to a close, organizers reflected on another successful year.

Kameron Jenks expressed appreciation to the many people who made the event possible.

“Thank you to our incredible sponsors, committee members, volunteers, contract personnel, and everyone behind the scenes who made this weekend possible,” Jenks said. “And to the best rodeo fans around—thank you for filling the grass and making this one to remember.”

David Thomas praised the quality of the production and competition, “A testament to the Basin City Freedom Rodeo committee putting in the sweat equity to make Basin City Freedom Rodeo one of the top rodeos, having great stock and bringing great contestants—two arena records set out of the three rough stock events!” he said.

Those record-breaking performances highlighted an outstanding weekend of competition.

Champions included:

Bareback Riding: Jacob Lees aboard Buster of Bridwell Pro Rodeos, setting a new arena record with 89 points.

Steer Wrestling: Colin Wolfe, 3.6 seconds.

Saddle Bronc Riding: A tie between Heston Harrison aboard Wildfire of Corey and Lange and Cooper Thatcher aboard Bar Maid of Corey and Lange, each scoring 85.5 points.

Team Roping: Korbin Rice and Cooper Freeman, 4.1 seconds.

Tie-Down Roping: John Douch, 7.1 seconds.

Barrel Racing: Jordan Bailey, 17.04 seconds.

Bull Riding: Tristen Hutchings aboard North Bound of Corey and Lange, setting a new arena record with 90.5 points.

Candace Wegner summed up the feelings shared by many volunteers who helped make the rodeo possible.

“So proud to be a part of it along with our friends and community volunteers,” she said. “There are many hours you don’t see behind the scenes to put together the best rodeo around… Let’s do it again next year!”

With another successful celebration in the books, organizers are already looking ahead. The Basin City Freedom Rodeo returns July 1-3, 2027, promising another unforgettable celebration of rodeo, community, and the freedoms that unite them.