Red, white, and blue bunting celebrating the Fourth of July hung in every available spot, and American flags waved side-by-side with Texas Lone Star state flags. Between events, the loudspeaker blared patriotic songs from the Marine Band’s version of the national anthem to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” Rodeo competitors were in the swing of things with their clothing and accessories, and one penning team even wore red, white, and blue Stetsons. Crowds had jammed all of the events for three days, screaming wildly for their favorites. With the rodeo in its final day, the winner of each competition would be the overall winner of their event, so the excitement level was riding high. Chad Bailey had just seen the last of the bulls he leased to the circuit loaded onto trailers for transport to the next stop on the tour. The trucks would be on the road any minute, so he had a chance to relax and enjoy what was happening.
