PAWHUSK, Okla. — Cowboys and cowgirls from Green Country and surrounding states are arriving at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska, Okla. this week for the 76th Annual International Roundup Cavalcade Rodeo.

While the rodeo is at the same time every year, event Tuesday morning just happened to coincide with what’s expected to be the hottest day of 2022 so far.

FOX23 spent time in the grandstands Tuesday where fans kept cool thanks the shade and breeze. However, the competition took place in the arena, which is in direct sunlight.

Competitors and their parents talked about the importance of staying hydrated and wearing hats.

However, few of the riders seemed bothered by the heat.

The competition wrapped up around 2 p.m. Tuesday. For the remainder of the week, there will be morning sessions and evening sessions, followed by a dance with live music each night.

This is Pawhuska County’s biggest event of the year. There are approximately 1,400 competitors in the Cavalcade Rodeo, and crowds reaching an upwards of 5,000 attendees by Friday night.

There are two cooling stations set up on site, and an ambulance crew stands at the ready with a paramedic, cooling towels and IV bags.

When FOX23 stopped by Tuesday morning, the only one treated for heat was a horse, who was toweled down with cool water.

The stock contractor has pens set up for horses and bulls with large tubs of water, and there is also a shaded area if animals need to be moved.

For more information on the event, you can check their website.

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