THRILLS and CHILLS
At 48th Annual Buffalo Roundup

CUSTER STATE PARK
Home to the nation's largest,
Free-roaming buffalo herd.
With 71,000 acres,
1,300 buffalo can happily roam free.

Each September,
Buffs are rounded-up.
By cowboys (girls), trucks and atv's.
Then corralled,
To be sorted for auction,
Branded and vaccinated. .

The parking lot opens at 6:15 AM
But with 14,000 spectators,
Fighting for prime hillside spots,
You better be early.

We dragged outta bed at 3:45 A.M.
By 4:15 A.M.
We were car #100, in line.
Still, we snagged a good spot for our folding chairs.

Oh, almost forgot,
The temp-a cool, misty 41F

The FIRST BOUNCING BUFFS
Appeared at 10:56 A.M.
Hailed by a cheering crowd.

Delighted fans watched as a hunky bull escaped the talented volunteers. Not once, but twice.
The whole event, lasting 21 minutes, was well-organized with the safety of the animals in mind.

For me,
It's like listening to the National Anthem.
I'm full of pride, and a little misty-eyed.
If we can bring these animals back from the brink of extinction. Plus, allow them to live wild and free.

Well, then, the world is full of possibility.