Chamber plans rodeo events

• July 4 celebration discussed

 

Jeff Weber and Gary Watson work on building a parade float to represent the annual Freedom Open Rodeo and "The Great Freedom Bank Robbery" street play. The float is entered in Woodward's Rodeo Parade on July 22.

The short meeting of the Freedom Chamber of Commerce addressed the outcome of the July 4 celebration, the Rodeo Queen kick-off committee report, the rodeo committee report, and the shootout committee report.

Chamber President Bryant Weber reported the feedback he received regarding the July 4 celebration was positive. "Most everyone I heard from around town felt the celebration went great," Weber said. Some people suggest that next year different games be added to the standard egg toss and turtle races and also to offer some different hot dogs. (This reporter speculates that there may have been concern about children choking on the extra-large hot dog.)

Patricia Dauphin reported that things are coming together nicely for this Saturday's Rodeo Queen Kick-Off on July 22 with the meal beginning at 6 p.m. and the auction at 7 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to go with the traditional hamburger/hotdog menu. She believes that everything is falling into place but is waiting for formal commitments from some of the contestants. Those with questions may call Dauphin at 580-430-8113.

Weber feels everything is on track and an updated rodeo flyer has been sent to the printers, the program pages are being revised and volunteers for concession stands are being recruited. Weber stated that a sponsor request has been sent to every Freedom box holder and those who have supported the Freedom Chamber in the past. The mailing includes information for purchasing rodeo program ads and a "Chamber Dues" request form. Ad prices range from $40 to $400 and the cost of a chamber membership is $15 per person, $25 for a family or $50 for a business. Those with questions may call Weber at 580-227-6023 or Bretta Woodard at 580-334-3536.

Gary Watson, the "Shootout chairman," reported that practices for the street drama, called "The Great Freedom Bank Robbery," will start Saturday, and he was excited to announce that members of the committee are constructing a float that will be entered in Woodward's rodeo parade on July 22 (beginning at 10 a.m. on Main Street).

Katie Strehl

During the shootout (last year's presentation) a stuntman falls from the roof of the Freedom Hardware store and lands on a mattress covered by hay. It's just part of the show.

"The float will showcase the 'Great Freedom Bank Robbery Shootout' and the annual Freedom Open Rodeo (Aug. 17–19)," Watson said. On the float, cowboys will sit around a table playing cards while townfolk, dressed in "old west" garb, walk alongside throwing candy and other items.

Shootout practice will continue through July with the next practice being held July 22, right after the Rodeo Queen kick-off. Watson also reported he has 12 vendors committed to setting up on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Watson feels that vendors will draw more people downtown. Saturday morning (Aug. 19) is the traditional 5K run and at 11 a.m. is the Old Cowhand Supper.

"Having vendors that offer pony rides or maybe a bounce house for the kids and leather goods, jewelry and things like that for the adults, it can only benefit the town and make the experience fun," Watson said. "By having vendors it gives people something to do after they have eaten and are waiting for the show and they are welcomed to stay till rodeo time."

If you are a vendor of goods and would like to participate, contact Watson at 580-340-0117.

 

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