June 21, 2023
By: Katherine Trowbridge
What started out as an impromptu meet up on the side of the road in May of 2020 has grown into what will be the largest rodeo in Basin City to date. The first Freedom Rodeo was held over the Fourth of July holiday and came together in 30 days. Now, four years later, Kameron Jenks and Scott English continue to co-chair the event, make improvements to the rodeo and park grounds, and bring in people from all around to the unincorporated Basin City. Their biggest addition was the new arena space that debuted last year. This year, they are adding additional beer gardens and a new “1776 Room” with a full bar and “the best view in the house” located near the bucking shoots. The arena is fully fenced with additional grass seating (be sure to byo chair or blanket).
Jenks and English felt the community needed an event and it has become so much more. The arena hosts the High School Rodeo each May, Barrel Racing and Break-a-Way roping events, provides a place for local youth to practice whenever they want, and other local events to be held.
The grounds will open up on July 1st for the first Super Jaripeo Baile which is estimated to draw four to five thousand to the small rural community.
Gates will open at 2 pm with DJ music until 3 pm. Banda 509, a local band out of Pasco will perform from 3 to 6 pm. The bull riding will be held from 4 to 6 pm. Band La Prendida from Mexico will perform beginning at 6:15 pm. followed by Majo Aguilar with her Mariachi performance at 8 pm. The big draw is Lupillo Rivera who will perform from 9:15 to 10 pm.
There will be lots of dancing including dancing horses throughout the event. Tickets can be purchased at Sandoval’s in Basin City or through ticketon.com. Kids under the age of 10 are free.
The annual Freedom Rodeo (PRCA) will bring in some of the biggest names in rodeo from July 3 through the 5. Gates open at 4 pm. on July 3 with the rodeo officially starting at 7:30 pm.
On July 4, come on out for the annual Basin City Fourth of July Parade and then head over for the rodeo which will begin at 12:30 pm. (gates open at 10 am.).
On July 5 slack opens at 8 am. with the final performance at 7:30 pm. followed by a professional fireworks show.
A tradition of the Freedom Rodeo is the Mutton Bustin’ for youth age four to six (50 lbs and under) along with the crowd pleasing Wild Cow Milking for those ages 18+ (in teams of three) where you get to cheer on locals in action. Spots are still available for both the Mutton Bustin’ and Wild Cow Milking, just go to www.BCFreedomRodeo.com.
If you’re not really into rodeos, the event is also a big draw for food and other vendors which are located within the shade of Basin City Memorial Park. This year’s vendors include: Flying Colors, 509 Coffee, The Needle Spot, Basin City Tacos, G&M Catering (Gerardo Barragan), Pack Snacks, Sweet Snack Attack (donuts/shaved ice), Smuligans Concessions, West Morlins Concessions, Pink Pearl Boutique, Ranch Cut, Taco City, and Friscksters Barbecue.
The fourth annual Freedom Rodeo Quilt “Patriotic Stars” handcrafted and donated by Trishia Freeman, will be raffled off on July 5 - be sure to get your tickets.
All of this wouldn’t be possible without the many outstanding community members who have come alongside in support and the sponsors. This year’s rodeo will feature over $100,000 in prize money. Sponsors get their own VIP tent where they are served a special meal before each performance.
Get your tickets online for the special three-day discount at www.BCFreedomRodeo.com.