The California Rodeo Salinas celebrates 100 years of rodeo in July, 2010!
Each July, the West comes alive in Salinas with the California Rodeo Salinas at the Salinas Sports Complex. The California Rodeo Salinas is the largest rodeo in California. One of the most prestigious stops on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit and part of the Wrangler ProRodeo Summer Tour, the California Rodeo (locally pronounced ro-DAY-oh) Salinas attracts more than 700 top-ranked professional cowboys and cowgirls competing for over $250,000 in prize money annually. In addition, eight of California's greatest young horsewomen will compete for the title of Miss California Rodeo Salinas.
Though the California Rodeo Salinas itself takes place for only four days, surrounding events such as the Rodeo Carnival, the Kiddie Kapers Parade, the cowboy poetry reading, and the Rockin' Rodeo Ball Dinner Dance provide a two-week long warm-up to the main event.
An outgrowth of the Spanish ranchero days when the semi-wild herds of cattle were gathered for branding, ear-marking and castration, the word rodeo is Spanish for "round-up." Inspired by the San Juan Bautista Fiesta and Rodeo, cattlemen from Salinas decided in 1908 that Monterey County should have a similar event. In 1909, the California Rodeo Salinas, initially named the Wild West Show, was born.
The California Rodeo Salinas became known throughout the country. Throughout its history, it attracted famous cinematic cowboys like Will Rogers, who became an honorary director of the event; Gene Autry, who shot scenes for one of his early films at the California Rodeo Salinas; Richard Boone, star of "Have Gun Will Travel"; Amanda Blake of "Gunsmoke" fame; and a young up-and-comer named Clint Eastwood, star of the TV series "Rawhide."
Today, the California Rodeo Salinas is the largest rodeo in the state. It features three roughstock events (bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding) and three timed events (tie-down roping, steer wrestling and team roping), all PRCA-sanctioned. Between the events, trick riders and animal acts keep the audience entertained. In addition to these traditional events, visitors to the California Rodeo Salinas can watch bull fighting, barrel racing and the raucous Industrial Calf Dressing competition.
The thrills begin even before the official Rodeo kickoff with a night of professional bull riding on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. Professional bull riders compete for a $40,000 purse.
On Thursday night, wear something pink for "Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night." The California Rodeo Salinas raises money for breast cancer research, donating $1 to the Breast Cancer Action Group of the Monterey Peninsula with every paid admission.
The "Cowboys and Cabernet Cowboy Poetry Gathering" at Sherwood Hall in Salinas shows off the artistic side of cowboy culture. It combines three of Monterey County's favorite things: cowboys, wine, and poetry.
On Saturday each year, rock and country acts perform at the California Rodeo Salinas. Keep an eye out for this year's announcement!
The Rodeo Carnival, a tradition since the inception of the California Rodeo Salinas, offers everything a visitor could want in a country carnival, including thrilling rides, games of skill, and delicious fair food. Teens visiting the California Rodeo Salinas have a space of their own with the Teen Lounge, which features video games and chances to win prizes. Their younger siblings can play at the Kids Corral, which has bounce houses and a petting zoo. Another fun-filled family event held during the Rodeo's Big Week is the Stick Horse Race just before the start of the Rodeo on Friday.
2010 will celebrate the return of a California Rodeo Salinas tradition - the Colma Parade. Once the greatest night-lighted parade west of the Mississippi, the Colma Parade has not taken place since the 1980s. This parade will light up the streets of Salinas Saturday night, July 10, 2010.
The 80th annual Kiddie Kapers Parade also takes place in Old Town Salinas during Big Week, giving children the chance to show off their cowboy and cowgirl side.
To purchase tickets and for more information, call 800-771-8807 or 831-775-3100 or visit the official California Rodeo Salinas website.
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942 1-877-MONTEREY info@mccvb.org
In partnership with Monterey County and the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas,
Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, Pebble Beach, Moss Landing, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Salinas Valley.
© Copyright 2009 Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
