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
Miss CCPRA 2014 Alexa Arietta Photo by 2010 CCPRA Queen, Jennifer Marinelli
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.
Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and Darkhorse Benefits and Operation Guardian (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.
