Rodeos have been around for many years and for fans of the Wild West there’s nothing better than watching a cowboy ride the biggest bull or demonstrate steer roping. For rodeo fans in California, one of the best rodeo organizations is the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, also known as the CCPRA. Known for having some of the most exciting rodeos in the western United States, a CCPRA rodeo is guaranteed to bring excitement with it wherever it may be.

CCPRA History

Founded in 1966, the CCPRA is the leading rodeo organization in California. Sponsoring rodeos in California as well as Nevada, Oregon and Washington the CCPRA has members from all walks of life. Teachers, police officers, salesmen, business executives and more spend their time on weekends working with the CCPRA as cowboys and cowgirls, announcers, fair managers, rodeo clowns and many other roles to make each rodeo a success. A non-profit organization, the CCPRA boasts a growing membership that is expected to keep the organization strong well into the next decade and beyond.

CCPRA Events

A CCPRA rodeo contains many exciting events for both individual and team competition. Some of the most popular events of the rodeo include:

• Bareback riding
• Barrel racing
• Bull riding
• Steer wrestling
• Team roping

Each year, contestants at CCPRA rodeos vie for over $500,000 in prize money. This money is raised through entry fees and other additional money added to the purses, making these events some of the most lucrative for contestants on the west coast. What sets the CCPRA apart from other rodeo associations is the emphasis it places on giving back to the communities where its rodeos are held. A major contributor to the charity organization Western Wishes, the CCPRA uses a vast network of corporate sponsors to raise money not only for its rodeo purses, but for generous donations to community charities at the conclusion of each rodeo.

Miss CCPRA Pageant

One of the highlights of attending a CCPRA rodeo is getting to see contestants vying for the title of Miss CCPRA. The pageant, open to residents of California, Oregon and Nevada, is one of the highlights of the season for rodeo enthusiasts. The most recent pageant, held October 3-4, saw Alexia Arietta crowned Miss CCPRA 2014. Some of the past winners of the Miss CCPRA Pageant include:

• Jacki Strand, 2013
• Jennifer Patton, 2009
• Suzanne Richardson, 2006
• Tori Burnette, 2003

As the western lifestyle continues to grow in popularity, organizations such as the CCPRA will continue to be key components in educating the public about the sport of rodeo and the many benefits it provides in building not only athletic skills but also character, sportsmanship and a dedication to one’s community.