CENTENNIAL RODEO PROCEEDS GO BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Non-profit organizations and schools to receive almost $300,000

Celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of popular events, bringing celebrities to town and increased rodeo attendance aren't the only things the California Rodeo Association has to be proud of in 2010. This year the increased crowds at the rodeo left more tips in the tip jars, ate more food and bought more merchandise while they were here. Almost $300,000 of the money they spent is going back into the community via organizations and youth groups in the county that provided services during the rodeo and other events held at the Salinas Sports Complex throughout the year or to national organizations that support the sport of rodeo.

The grand total of charitable donations worked out to be $282, 302.27, up over $100,000 from 2009. Some of the groups that earned money during the rodeo were the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey County Free Libraries, Salinas Elks Club, Alvarez Titans, Salinas High Math Club, Continental Little League, Lagunita School, Notre Dame High School, Alisal High School Sober Grad, North Salinas High Football, Steinbeck Rotary, Salinas Valley Junior Golf, Boys Scouts Troop #323 and Palma High School. Volunteers from these groups sold programs, parked cars, sold merchandise or food and much, much more. The rodeo relies on these non-profit entities as well as numerous additional volunteers to put the rodeo and all of its events on.

Donations were also made to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which helps cowboys that are injured during competition, Friends of Rodeo and the Children's Miracle Network. Representatives from several groups were present for the Director's Meeting on August 19^th to receive their checks. President Craig Andrus presented the funds to the group.

CENTENNIAL CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS IN RECORD BOOKS

History was made with a giant boot, visiting celebrities and high attendance figures

The California Rodeo Salinas celebrated its Centennial Anniversary in style from July 15-18, 2010. Celebrity guests, Buck Taylor, known for his acting in '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 10^th, officially known as the Colmo del Rodeo Parade; the Kiddie Kapers Parade featuring little cowpokes, our 10^th 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. Attendance was up 8.9% over 2009 ticket sales numbers for the four days of Rodeo.

Wacey Muncell, Wilford Brimley & The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls with a particpant in the Special Buckaroos Rodeo.

Photo by Todd Hutchings

The giant boot with Linsay Rosser-Sumpter presenting the flag.
Teale and Tara Twisselman singing the National Anthem.

Military proudly presenting flags. 

Photo by Richard Field Levine

One Arm Bandit John Payne performs in the arena.

Photo by Richard Field Levine

Bareback Riding action during the Rodeo

Photo by Gene Hyder

Lynn Anderson, the Grand Marshall of the Colmo del Rodeo Parade lead the line of automobiles, floats and groups in Old Town Salinas. Record crowds lined the streets of Salinas for the parade on July 10th.

Photo by Richard Wilson, Wilsons Photography