As the evening progressed the action in the arena heated up. The competition was serious and no less so at the concession stand where a lot of kids got snacks to last well into the evening. It was a good atmosphere and a fun experience for all of us. We were especially proud because the Aussies were doing really well heading into the second day of the competition.
In the evening once things cooled down a bit we went to watch the rodeo. It was the first day of the competition and everyone was excited. The kids enjoyed watching the proceedings but also really enjoyed going off to ride cardboard down the hill. They also had fun taking part in the quarter coin race where organisers threw out quarter dollars all over the grounds and had the kids race to find them. EV and the little kids got a head start and she did really well, finding several dollars worth of quarters. MV participated too and got some quarters too but then she shared them with a little boy who didn't get any.
After spending a good part of the day watching the bbq getting ready we were hot and hungry. We still had to wait for dinner though and found a shady spot to relax. We managed to find family to relax and wait around for dinner with too.
While we were watching the bbq pit being filled we were getting quite hot. An industrious person had brought an ice cream kart and the kids took advantage. They all for various kinds of snow cones and ice creams. They cooled down and were able to watch until the end.
The XIT rodeo claims to have the largest free BBQ in the world and to make all of that meat takes a great big pit. We went to see the pit being prepared and the meat getting tossed in. Diggers were then used to fill the pit so that the meat could slow cook for 24 hours or so. It took quite a few volunteers and more than a handful of spectators to finish the task. It was really hot and having a giant pit of hot coals didn't help, but it was certainly worth going to have a look.
In the morning we went and met up with the broader family at Uncle Tommy's house. There was quite the spread but SV felt like fairy bread was needed for that Aussie touch. She got her cousin to help make it with her. There was also a game of baseball until someone hit the ball too far and a neighbour had to be asked to throw it back. Afterwards some of us went to the park while others went to the Dalhart Museum.
We continued on the road to Dalhart and outside of Amarillo we stopped at Cadillac Ranch to look at all of the painted cars. It was a bit touristy but it was still interesting to stop and take a look at. The girls managed to find some spray cans of paint so they could add their own touch. As we were walking back to the car we noticed some big clouds coming in. As we drove closer to Dalhart we were very glad to be inside as a massive lightning and hail storm passed over us. Lightning started a fire on the side of the road which the fire crews got to fairly quickly, but nonetheless it was getting large. We were happy to pass through all that and get to our nice accommodation in Dalhart.
