For the cowboy and cowgirl at heart, it’s almost time for the California Rodeo Salinas. It’s the 106th year of this exciting rodeo, which has been a tradition in Salinas for years. The rodeo brings great competition and exciting events to the city, but it also provides scholarships and aid to local non-profits. The California Rodeo Salinas will take place in the Salinas Sports Complex from July 21st to July 24th. Tickets for the event went on sale April 4th.
History of Salinas Rodeo
The California Rodeo Salinas has been taking place for over 100 years and inducting cowboys and cowgirls into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. In the early 1900s, the rodeo was known as the Wild West Show and was a week long event. It became known as the “Big Week” and hosted over 4,000 people. Over the years, the venue has changed and the seating has grown. In 2016, it’s expected that over 50,000 fans will attend the event.
What’s so Special about the Salinas Rodeo?
This unique event will bring in over 700 of the best cowboys and cowgirls across the United States to compete in some of the most exciting rodeo events with the hopes to join other competitors in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. There will be the classic bull riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling. As one of the top rodeos in the country, the best cowboys and cowgirls will be competing for over $400,000 in prize money as well as the trophies, which include the famous gold and silver Salinas buckles and the chance to gain entrance into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Other Events to Take Place
A comedian as well as a musician, Rodney Carrington is a talented standup comic who will have two shows during the California Rodeo Salinas. The comedian will take to the stage on Saturday, July 23rd. The first show is at 6 p. m. while the second is the same night at 9 p. m. There will also be live music at the Coors Rodeo Banquet Cantina from the Courtney Lynn Band from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a. m. on July 20th. In the Coors Rodeo Cantina on July 21st, ladies will get into the tent free to see Aaron Avila and Second Wind Band. Other events will take place in the Coors Rodeo Cantina throughout the event.
There are plenty of events for the entire family at the Salinas Rodeo. Children can participate in the annual Stick Horse Race. Participants are divided into appropriate age groups and children from 3 to 8 years old can attend. The winners will get an official buckle. Each child must bring their own stick horse for the event. Children 4 to 7 years old can also participate in the Mutton Busting competition. Kids will ride sheep in front of an excited crowd. The best rider will win a championship buckle.
Media Coverage
There will be a ton of media coverage from local stations as well as the Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Ak-Chin Indian Community and Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team, which covers the event on their website each year.
