Each year California embraces its history, its western traditions and values by hosting some truly historic rodeos across our state. As Miss California Rodeo Salinas, I’ve had a wonderful opportunity this year to participate in many of these great rodeos and meet some of the rodeo volunteers that make the celebration of our western traditions and values possible.
Red Bluff, California celebrated their 87th annual Round-Up. The Red Bluff Round-Up offers all of the traditional rodeo events and one that is unique to their Round-up, the “Wild Ride”. Preparing to compete in the Wild Ride, professional bronc riders dress in costumes of their own design and are judged as much on their costume as they are on their bronc ride. www.redbluffroundup.com
The historic town of Clovis held their 94th annual rodeo and parade in April. This is another amazing rodeo; much of their old town Clovis has been preserved, providing a true western atmosphere and an interesting venue for a family weekend outing. www.clovisrodeo.com
I traveled down to Bakersfield next to participate in and experience their 21st annual Stampede Days rodeo. The Bakersfield rodeo grounds provides up close and intimate seating for rodeo fans. Bakersfield offers terrific hospitality and a great rodeo, too. www.stampededaysrodeo.com The very next weekend I traveled through the beautiful California country side to Sonora for the 51st annual Mother Lode Round-Up. The Mother Lode Round Up brought me back to see friends I had met during the Christmas parade in old town Columbia. I can honestly say there’s nothing quite like being part of a rodeo parade winding it’s way along the streets of a historic “California Gold Rush” town. Sonora may be a small community, but come parade day,
I don’t think there is a single person who stays home. The streets of Sonora were packed with families there to have fun and support their community. www.motherloderoundup.comAll of the rodeos on the California Rodeo Circuit have been extremely fun for me. I don’t know what I would do without my two trusty rodeo queen horses: Gracie, my little paint, and Luke, my big palomino. Both horses have traveled up and down our state, carrying me into rodeo arenas and down parade routes with flash and grace.
June brings a unique opportunity for everyone who carries a little of the old west in their heart, to attend the 75th anniversary of the San Benito Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo. It’s probably the largest non-pro rodeo in California specifically held each year for local residents to show their true grit and skill in rodeo events. The San Benito Rodeo and grand entry offers a chance to experience living history, as the participants ride and compete in traditional western tack. Of course there’s the famous San Benito Toss roping event, also referred to as figure 8 roping. This is a very difficult and unique steer roping loop to throw, but in San Benito County it is still as popular as it was in the days of the California Missions. The San Benito Rodeo and Horse Show opens on June 27th and runs through the 29th. More information can be found on their website. www.sanbenitocountyfair.com.
As the 98th annual California Rodeo Salinas begins to build momentum, there are numerous local events coming up for the entire family each week. The California Rodeo Salinas is California’s largest rodeo. This years rodeo dates are July 17th through the 20th. Following the Saturday rodeo performance, Lynyrd Skynyrd will be in concert next door to the arena at Municipal Stadium. Tickets are already on sale and are moving fast so make sure to get your seats now ! Big Week will be over flowing with energy and excitement for the whole family. For more information or to purchase your tickets visit www.carodeo.com.
Bye for now,
Amanda Jacobsen
Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2007
