Rodeo News

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2010

Contact: Mandy Roth
Marketing Manager
(831) 775-3102; mroth@carodeo.com

CENTENNIAL CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS IN RECORD BOOKS
History was made with a giant boot, visiting celebrities and high attendance figures

SALINAS, CA - July 30, 2010-The California Rodeo Salinas celebrated its Centennial Anniversary in style from July 15-18, 2010. Celebrity guests, Buck Taylor, known for his acting the ‘Tombstone' and ‘Gunsmoke' as well as his western art, Lynn Anderson, famed country musician known best for ‘Rose Garden,' and Wilford Brimley, actor in ‘The Natural,' ‘Cocoon' and other films all graced Salinas with their presence. Each celebrity guest participated in the Grand Entry, sang the National Anthem and helped out at the Special Buckaroos Rodeo held each year on Saturday of Big Week for local special needs children. They were happy to join us in marking such a monumental occasion.

Patrons of the Rodeo were also treated to a unique opening ceremony with a giant seventeen-foot red, white and blue boot that featured a beautiful rider and paint horse that came out of the top, presenting the flag of the United States of America. There was also a pageant of flags showcasing the past 100 years of tradition in Salinas. The best cowboys and cowgirls demonstrated their skills in the arena and on the track as part of the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour at this Gold stop, hoping to earn money toward qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. The track was also filled with non-PRCA sanctioned events and entertainment such as the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls who ran at high speeds in front of the grandstands trick riding and trick roping. Clown Slim Garner entertained the crowds with his wild airplane act and fiery barbecue skit. The rodeo action was halted in the arena for an unforgettable act by the One Arm Bandit, John Payne, who herded bison onto his horse trailer while riding a mule. This daring and unique act was repeated and met with awe daily.

The entire week was filled with events leading up to the Rodeo including a night lighted parade on July 10th, officially known as the Colmo del Rodeo Parade; the Kiddie Kapers Parade featuring little cowpokes, our 10th Annual Professional Bull Riding, a carnival, the premiere of the 100 Years of Tradition: History of the California Rodeo Salinas commemorative DVD, Cowboy Poetry and more. DVDs are available for purchase online at www.carodeo.com for $20 and feature interviews with past Rodeo participants, directors, sweethearts and more as well as vintage Rodeo photos and video footage. The entire celebration was one not soon to be forgotten. Salinas is looking forward to the next 100 years of rodeo tradition.

The California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 21-24, 2011. The California Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donation of our facility, vending and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association returns over $200,000 annually to local non-profits. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775.3100.