GENTRY — For the second year in a row, rains put a damper on the annual Chamber of Commerce sponsored Freedom Festival in the city park.

While heavy morning rains threatened last year’s event but gave way to sunshine in the afternoon, light rains continued to fall throughout most of Saturday, keeping temperatures cooler but also keeping some away from the celebration.

Softball tournaments continued all day Saturday, in spite of the rainfall, but other events suffered due to the weather.

The few antique tractors andengines placed on display by Tired Iron of the Ozarks were soon loaded up and moved out of the park to get them out of the rain.

“Our members put too much time and money into restoring (the old tractors and engines) to leave them out in the rain,” said club member and past president Johnny Burger.

Tired Iron of the Ozarks did continue to provide free rides on its hay wagon throughout the day and into the evening.

While there were still plenty of antique and classic cars and trucks lined up along the circle walkway in the middle of the park, rains kept some away from the car show as well. Someowners could be seen drying off their antique cars throughout the day.

Skydivers from Skydive Skyranch were scheduled to land in the park at two different times Saturday, but the jumps were canceled due to overcast skies and rains. Camels rides and the animal petting zoo were also lacking this year due to the weather.

Concerts were held as scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening hours. Entertainment was provided by Stage One Entertainment, the Flint Hills Ramblers and Earl’s Garage.

Children enjoyed face painting, rock climbing and numerous other games and rides in the park.

Though there were not sufficient entries for the Miss Gentry Pageant, the tiny tot contest was held, with Killian Collins and Brynn Cordeiro, both 4, winning the Mister Tiny Tot and the Miss Tiny TotPageants held on the stage in the park.

The park began to fill up in the evening for the entertainment and fireworks display, but many chose instead to watch the fireworks from their carsrather than sitting in the park and risking getting caught in rain.

But those who came out for the fireworks were not disappointed. Once again, the display was bigger and better than in years past.

News, Pages 1 on 07/07/2010