Volume 11 , Issue 34

Freedom Rodeo History

The following was taken from the 72nd Freedom Rodeo & Old Cowhand Reunion program and gives a history of the Freedom Rodeo beginnings since September, 1938, when a group of men in Freedom, "The Big Little Town', planned an event, a Rodeo, for the young men in the area to test their skills against the calves, steers and each other. No previous rodeo experience and under 21 years of age was the entry rule.

These men of many years ago, even though they dreamed, could not have ever dreamed how their idea would take hold of an entire community and become the "Biggest Little Rodeo In the West" being held the third weekend in August each year, in what is now lovingly referred to as the "Queen City of the Cimarron."

A real Chuck Wagon Feed was started to honor the old cowhands and their wives of the area. That year, September, 1939, 125 cowhands received an invitation to come tot he feed and join under one brand. The main items on the menu then, as now, consisted of beef, beans and black coffee with the beef being donated by local people and being prepared and served by a community minded group of volunteers.

Also in 1939 the tradition of having a Rodeo Queen was started and to this day it is considered a true honor to be named Queen of the Freedom Rodeo. From 1939 thru 1955 the Chamber of Commerce selected the girl for Queen, but in 1956, as an economic measure, the Queen Contest was started with all contestants welling advance rodeo tickets. AT this time the contestants started receiving many nice gifts, saddle, bonds, buckle, trophies, plaques and tiara, to name a few, plus a percent of their ticket sales.

Before the years of stock contractors,t he stock was purchased by local men, who traveled the area and surrounding states in order to find the best stock possible.

In the beginning there was always a parade which started at the schoolhouse after the Chuck Wagon Feed, pranced down the main street and out to the rodeo grounds for the Grand Entry so the rodeo could begin at 2:00p.m The Chamber of Commerce has a colored film of some of these activities, 1940, that can be viewed on Saturday of the Rodeo in the American Legion building by anyone at nay time.

Because the hearts of the people in our area have always been giving and civic minded the profits of the 1942 Rodeo were all given tot he USO which was Freedom's way of doing something to help the boys who were serving in the Armed Services. Also in 1942 the wives of the Cowhands decided to have their own organization and meet at the same time as the Cowhands had their meeting, thus giving the women something to do.

Wanting to preserve a true statement of the Old Cowhands of the area a plan was begun in 1943 to have a Memorial to the Early Day Cowhands. The next few years were spent planning and raising money to bring this plan to a reality. Once again, 1946, the giving spirit sprang forth and the profits of the rodeo were donated to the building of the Memorial.

Many will remember the fun of traveling in the booster trips, 1947, to other towns in our area in a caravan of cars telling everyone along the route of our Freedom Rodeo.

By now, 1948, the older cowboys wanted to participate in the rodeo so a spot was added for Senior ropers.

Public donations were given to install lights around the arena and so began the evening performances in 1949.

The Rodeo has been managed by several different organizations thru the years. 1938-1951 Chamber of Commerce, 1952 Cimarron Roping Club, 1953-1954 American Legion, 1955 Freedom Ropers Club, 1956 to present Freedom Chamber of Commerce.

Only one performance of the Rodeo has ever been cancelled and that was the Saturday evening performance in 1955 because of such terrible rain storm. Because of the cancellation the Rodeo went in the red and the local cowboys and others came up with enough money to pay al bills.

1956 was the first year that an individual was selected to be honored at the Chuck Wagon Feed and Rodeo. Mrs. Lucy Snapp was chosen as the Pioneer Rancher of Freedom Community to receive the recognition. This special recognition honor has become a highlight of the dinner and Rodeo. The Ladies Auxiliary now has the responsibility of inviting friends of the honoree, decorating the tables and planning a short program at the Feed and Reunion.

Through the years the events have changed some to go along with the times but the Rodeo itself has always met with the same response -- VERY GOOD -- thanks to the cooperative effort of all.

Improvements are made yearly to the grounds. There are always two work days prior to the 3rd weekend in August and in many years it has taken much more volunteer time. With the addition of new and more bleachers, restroom facilities on both sides, concrete floors in concession stands, new broadcast both, bucking shutes, catch pens, fence, stock pens a on the west end and much more room for parking cars, the Rodeo grounds are really in fine shape.

In researching this history of the Freedom Rodeo, which was possible through the old copies of our Freedom newspaper that are housed in the Freedom Museum, it became quire clear that the people of the Freedom community have a cooperative spirit and have always been, as they are today, interested in public and civic affairs, their community and other people. The main goal of the volunteers who have donated many hours to the improvement of the Rodeo weekend has been to give the guests who attend a good show and hope they will come again.

No individuals were named in this history but you can be certain of the fact that anyone you ever knew or hearof, living in Freedom and the community around, both sides of the Cimarron, has helped with the Freedom Rodeo and Old Cowhand Reunion -- Some more than others and some longer than others -- but one thing is certain -- it takes the cooperation of everyone to bring about the success that the Freedom Rodeo has enjoyed for over 50 years. All indicators point to another successful 50 years, thanks to the continued work and cooperation of the newer generations taking their place in the community.

It was once written by a visiting newspaper man, about Freedom, "These people can adapt themselves to all manner of conditions, but have the needed pep and energy to shape circumstances to their liking. Proof is the Rodeo and Cowhand Reunion. I the Shortgrass vernacular, they are a LIVE BUNCH."
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