4th of July Is On It's Way

The 4th of July is right around the corner, can you believe it? Time sure does fly but the question is, what events are you going to attend? Amarillo will be full of fun festivities ranging from rodeos to zoo visits. Of the many events to be held, a few stick out to me more than others. The 73rd Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo is in full swing, July 3rd-5th and will be held at the Will Rogers Range Rider complex. The rodeo will start Thursday, July 3rd, with free slack events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the main event will begin nightly, the 3rd-5th, at 7:30 p.m. There will be a dance and concert after the rodeo featuring Buster Bledsoe Band on Saturday. So why not see cowboys try with all their might stay atop a hard buckin' bronc or lightning fast team ropers turn a steer and stretch him?? But that's not all to do on Independence Day, Amarillo Zoo will be hosting Red,White and Zoo where you can watch the famous African lion, Soloman, attempt to break the 89-second record for eating a 72-ounce, The Big Texan Steak Ranch, steak. You can get in on the food contests as well with a three pie-eating contest at 1:45 p.m. for kids 10-12 years old, 2:15 p.m. for 13-17 years old and 2:45 p.m. for ages 18 and up. If you want to do a little traveling, by that I mean a 15 minute drive to Canyon, there will be a Lions Club Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., then attend the Fair on the Square, the Independence Day Parade (a chance to clean up your pony and show your patriotism), a performances from Noah Jenda & Restless Heart at the Kimborough Memorial Stadium and to finish up the night, fireworks by Wells Fargo. Now, if staying home is your cup of tea, thankfully we have received some beautiful showers taking us out of the drought from 2011, and what better timing to BBQ at home and light fireworks with your family. As for me, I will be going to my hometown to dance the night away at the annual Street Dance, watch the parade on the morning of the 4th, eat some very tasty BBQ and attend the evening rodeo performance. Happy 4th of July and let freedom ring!