Saddle Up for Adventure: The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade Stampede into Town!

Get ready to dust off your cowboy boots and polish your belt buckles because the most thrilling event of the Central Coast is just around the corner! From Thursday, May 29th to Sunday, June 1st, 2025, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade will be electrifying the charming town of Santa Maria, California, promising four days of heart-stopping rodeo action, community spirit, and good old-fashioned fun.

But this isn’t just about the exhilarating bucking broncos and skillful ropers; it’s a celebration of the vibrant heart of Santa Maria itself!

More Than Just a Rodeo: A Town United

For over eight decades, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo has served as our collective heartbeat. It’s the time of year when the familiar rhythms of daily life give way to the infectious energy of shared excitement. You see it in the local businesses proudly displaying rodeo banners, in the school children eagerly preparing for the parade, and in the countless volunteers dedicating their time and energy to make it all happen. This event isn’t orchestrated for the community; it’s built by the community, a true labor of love passed down through families. It’s a testament to our rich agricultural and Western heritage, showcasing the grit and skill of talented cowboys and cowgirls.

A Feast for the Eyes

And what’s a rodeo without a spectacular parade? Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 31st, 2025, when South Broadway will come alive with a dazzling procession of colorful floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, and local heroes. It’s a feast for the eyes and a true reflection of Santa Maria’s community pride!

What to Expect: Thrills, Spills, and Plenty of Smiles

The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is packed with events that will keep you on the edge of your seat:

• Bronc Riding & Bull Riding: Witness the raw power and determination as cowboys take on these formidable beasts.
• Steer Wrestling: Experience the lightning-fast action of cowboys wrestling steers to the ground.
• Barrel Racing: Cheer on the skilled cowgirls as they navigate a cloverleaf pattern with incredible speed.
• Specialty Acts: Prepare to be amazed by unique and entertaining performances.
• Mutton Bustin’: A hilarious and adorable event where the littlest cowboys and cowgirls try to hold on to sheep for a wild ride!

Ticket prices range from $17-$50.

Let’s Buck Some Bulls

NEW for 2025: The Xtreme Bulls Event on Wednesday, May 28th! Get ready for a full night dedicated to the toughest bull riders and the rankest bulls – a must-see for any rodeo fan! Unlike the traditional rodeo format where bull riding is just one of several events, Xtreme Bulls puts this electrifying discipline squarely in the spotlight.

What to Expect at Extreme Bulls:

A Pure Test of Skill: Xtreme Bulls strips away the other rodeo disciplines, offering a raw and intense focus on the fundamental challenge: man versus beast. It’s a true testament to the rider’s balance, control, and sheer grit.

Elite Bull Riders: Only the most skilled and daring cowboys qualify for Xtreme Bulls events. These are the athletes who live and breathe the challenge of riding bucking bulls, pushing their limits with every jump and spin.

Top-Tier Bulls: These aren’t your average rodeo bulls. Xtreme Bulls events feature some of the most powerful, agile, and unpredictable bovine athletes in the industry. Their explosive energy and unique bucking patterns create a truly unpredictable and thrilling contest.

Higher Stakes, Higher Intensity: With the focus solely on bull riding, the atmosphere crackles with anticipation. Every ride carries significant weight, and the competition is fierce as riders vie for top scores and coveted championship points.

Beyond the arena

Beyond the arena, the Elks Rodeo offers something for everyone:

• Delicious Food Vendors: Indulge in classic rodeo fare and local treats.
• Camp Buckaroo: A fun-filled area for kids with activities and entertainment.
• Western Marketplace: Browse unique Western wear, crafts, and souvenirs.

After the rodeo is done, be sure to stop by the Coors Dance Hall and dance the night away to live bands, all included with your ticket to the rodeo. Music start immediately following the rodeo performance.

Discover the Charm of Santa Maria Valley

While you’re here for the rodeo, take the opportunity to explore the beauty and attractions of Santa Maria Valley! Our town is nestled in the heart of California’s Central Coast, offering a diverse range of experiences:

• Award-Winning Wine Country: Discover the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail and numerous other wineries, boasting exceptional Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Take a scenic tour and savor the flavors of the region.
• Outdoor Adventures: Hike or bike through the rolling hills and vineyards, explore the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, or enjoy the nearby beaches along the Pacific coastline.
• Santa Maria Style BBQ: Indulge in our unique and delicious local barbecue tradition – a must-try culinary experience!
• Rich History & Culture: Visit the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum or catch a performance at the renowned Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA).
• Family Fun: Spend a day at Boomers! Santa Maria for go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games, or explore the interactive exhibits at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum.

Don’t Miss Out!

The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade is more than just an event; it’s an experience that captures the spirit of the West and the warmth of our community. It’s a chance to witness thrilling competition, celebrate tradition, and discover the hidden gems of Santa Maria Valley.

Mark your calendars for May 29th to June 1st, 2025! Keep an eye on the official Elks Rodeo website (https://www.elksrec.com/p/elks-rodeo-and-parade) and their social media channels for the detailed schedule and ticket information: Facebook and Instagram.

Come join us for a rip-roaring good time – we can’t wait to welcome you to Santa Maria!

About the Author:

Jodi Erpelding

Biography:

I grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!

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