2023 California Rodeo Salinas Souvenir Program

july 20-23, 2023

WHERE THE WEST COMES ALIVE

Art by Teal Coke Blake from a photo by Phil Doyle. ©2022 CARODEO.COM

Lip-smackin’ right outta the gate.

contents 2023 commemorative poster

The California Rodeo Salinas commemorates each rodeo with a custom poster. This year President Fred Hooker chose a classic rodeo event and an artist who was commissioned by the California Rodeo Association for the first time. The 2023 poster features saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper on Calgary Stampede’s horse W- 16 Wild Cherry, at the 2021 California Rodeo Salinas. A photograph taken by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association photographer Phil Doyle was used as inspiration for the watercolor painting by western artist Teal Blake.

Blake, who has been painting professionally since 2005, grew up in Montana, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by ranching country. Growing up in his father’s studio looking at C.M. Russell paintings and reading Will James books inspired him to pick up a pencil and start capturing his own visions of cowboys and the American West. He has always liked to show what makes the traditional West: cowboys not always clean shaven, shirts not always creased, and their horses’ manes not always long. In 2014 Blake’s labor, talent and accomplishments earned him an invitation into the renowned Cowboy Artists of America organization. He has also been honored with several awards, including the Joe Beeler CAA Foundation Award and 1st Place Watercolor at the Phippen Museum and has been featured in such magazines as Western Horseman, Western Art & Architecture, Southwest Art, Ranch & Reata and The Cowboy Way.

Posters are $20 and are available at the Rodeo’s Official Merchandise booth during the Xtreme Bulls and California Rodeo as well as in the California Rodeo Office at 1034 N. Main Street in Salinas Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm (closed Fridays from 11:45am-1:15pm) and on www.CARODEO.com.

message from the president

Welcome to the 113th anniversary of the California Rodeo. It is my pleasure to lead a talented group of Officers and over 1,400 volunteers who make the California Rodeo successful year after year. We continue to lead the way as the largest community event in our area, the #1 Rodeo in California, and the 9th largest Rodeo in the U.S.A. out of over 600 professional rodeos.

We are expecting to have over 600 contestants competing over four performances that will again be televised on the Cowboy Channel and streamed live on the Cowboy Channel + app. Contestants are participating in our rodeo to help qualify for the opportunity to compete at Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.

I have experienced many changes and growth in the California Rodeo in my 48 years with our organization. I am proud to serve as President of the California Rodeo and represent all of our Volunteers at other Rodeo and community events.

Your support of our Rodeo in 2022 allowed us to donate over $560,000 to our community via non-profit organizations and had an economic impact of over $14 million in Salinas. We awarded $37,000 in scholarships to students attending community and state colleges and universities last year alone. We want to thank all of you for attending the California Rodeo and supporting the greater community of Salinas.

Saddle up and enjoy the show!

Fred Hooker President 2022-2023

Photo by Interface Visual

Photo by Interface Visual

Patty Standridge Treasurer Bob Eggers 2nd Vice President

Fred Hooker President Steve Davis 1st Vice President

Henry Dill Secretary Tom Nielsen 3rd Vice President

california rodeo gives back

Donations were earned by groups who performed jobs like parking, ushering, selling food and more during events. Discounted facility rentals, ticket donations and tips collected at various events held at the Salinas Sports Complex including Monster Jam, concerts, Big Week Bull Riding, and the California Rodeo Salinas are also included in the grand total.

This number is up 5.3% over the 2019 donation, which was the most recent year the California Rodeo Association hosted a full roster of events. 2022 was very successful with Rodeo attendance being up 10% over 2019, including a sold-out Friday night performance. The only other performances that have sold out in the recent history of the California Rodeo were in 1996, 1991 and 1973. The Big Week Bull Riding also sold out on July 20th with over 10,000 people attending.

Higher attendance means more funds are generated for non-profits and that money spent here, stays here. Learn more at www.carodeo.com/p/aboutus/community/spenthere. A full list of the non-profits who benefit can be found at that link, but some of the local groups who earned funds include the Alisal High School Boosters, Filipino Community of Salinas Valley, First Tee Monterey County, Salinas High Interact, Soledad ROTC, Sun Street Centers, Toro Bulls Football & Cheer and many more. Funds were also allocated to rodeo-related groups like the Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse Junior Rodeo, the Cal Poly Rodeo Team, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, and other organizations that align with the California Rodeo’s mission of preserving and promoting the traditions of the west. The organizations use the money for uniforms, educational and enrichment opportunities, tournament fees, facility improvements, and more. Donations were also made to the American Cancer Society as part of the Rodeo’s Relay for Life participation.

california rodeo salinas by the numbers

DID YOU KNOW?

The California Rodeo Association manages the Salinas Sports Complex and preserves and promotes the traditions of the West!

the impact: Big Week ECONOMIC IMPACT

the fans:

$11,000,000,000

$560,000

Annual Non-profit DONATIONS

$123,000

SCHOLARSHIPS Awarded

> 86,000 Big Week ATTENDANCE

140,000 TV & App HH IMPRESSIONS on The Cowboy Channel

1,400

VOLUNTEERS

Photo by Mag One Media

THE CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS GAVE $563,258.29 BACK TO COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT GROUPS IN 2022.

short

Must be 21; this bar is located on the midway for easy drink access. Grab one and head back to watch the show!

branch schedule

cowboy shoot out golf tournament

Presented by Cintas

Hours of operation:*

XTREME BULLS

Wednesday, July 19th Open 5pm to end of the show

RODEO Closes at the start of the Bullfights

Thursday, July 20th Open 4pm

Friday, July 21st Open 4pm

Saturday, July 22nd Open 1pm

Sunday, July 23rd Open 1pm

*Times subject to change.

July 19, 2023

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch

The California Rodeo’s Larry Balentine

Memorial Cowboy Shoot Out Golf Tournament will be played at The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch at 475 San Juan Grade Road in Salinas. The format will be the same as in the past: a shot gun start at 8am following a cowboy breakfast at 7am, with some new fun and exciting contests on a few of the holes. The Cowboy Shoot Out is a fun filled golf tournament where local rodeo patrons get a chance to mingle with rodeo contestants, bull fighters and Rodeo Directors. Get entry information at CARODEO.com

Photo by Kelsey Floyd

Crown Royal is the official whisky of the California Rodeo Salinas and will host the party in the Crown Royal Saloon during the rodeo this year!

The Saloon is open

• Thursday & Friday nights from 4pm to midnight

• Saturday during and after the rodeo performances from 1pm to midnight

• Sunday from 1pm to 3pm.

Live music:

• Thursday 5:00-11:30pm

• Friday 5:00-11:30pm

• Saturday 3-11:30pm.*

Food is available for purchase from 6-11pm on Thursday and Friday nights and 4-10pm on Saturday. No cover charge!

Reserved for those 21 and over, this saloon area is right next to the arena; patrons can view rodeo events and sip on cocktails while visiting with their friends.

*Music times subject to change.

coors banquet bull xing 2023

Open during and after each performance of the California Rodeo Salinas and the Big Week Bull Riding, the Coors Banquet Bull Xing is the place to be to enjoy the social aspect of these events.

The tent features live music each day. A $25 cover charge applies Wednesday and Friday nights. Must be 21 or older.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Photo by Mag One Media

Photos by Ronnie Esparza

golden saddleman

award winners

Each year the Golden Saddleman award is proudly presented to a Director who has made an extraordinary contribution to the California Rodeo Salinas. It originated to honor the late advertising manager of Levi Strauss and Company, Dick Cronin. Cronin had a great love for the sport of rodeo and especially for the California Rodeo Salinas. Past President Dave Pedrazzi was the 2022 honoree.

Dave Pedrazzi is a fourth-generation rancher and farmer. He is very proud to operate on the same property in the Buena Vista area where his great grandfather settled over one hundred years ago. He has always had a passion for the outdoors and the ranching way of life. Dave began his schooling at the two room Buena Vista school of River Road that his grandfather and father attended. Later, he graduated from Salinas High School. During his grade school and high school years, he was active in both Buena Vista 4-H and Salinas High FFA. He attended college at Hartnell and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and shortly after returning home from college

1961 EJ Leach, DDS

1962 Ki Silacci 1963 EJ Leach, JR

1964 Lester Sterling 1965 EM Kelly 1966 Howard Weile 1967 Chet Behen 1968 Frank Weibe, MD

1971 Myron E. Etienne, JR

1972 George E. Richardson

1973 Homer M. Hayward

1974 Allan Wallace

1975 Karl Koue

1976 George Scovel

1977 Bob Vestal

1978 Gene Nielsen

1979 Sherwood Causley

1980 Bill Breen

1981 Robert L. Grainger

1982 WM Sullivan

1983 Pete Pedrazzi

1984 Harry Rhodes, JR

1985 Walt Cameron

1986 Thomas J. O’Neill, MD

went to work on his family’s ranch. In 1974 he married Debbie Ferreira. Together they raised 3 children, who have all grown up working on the ranch and continue to do so today, and their 7 grandchildren will be the 6th generation of Pedrazzis to work the ranch. The California Rodeo Salinas has always been an important part of Dave’s life and he has been volunteering on the track committee for over forty years. He became a director in 1985, was Track Director for six years and then, in 2014, became 3rd Vice President. He also proudly wears a California Rodeo Salinas buckle that he won in the Committee Team Roping Competition.

2000 Ron Clements

2001 Pete Silacci

2002 Joe Grainger

2003 Richard Rhodes

2004 Joe Hancock

2005 Pete DeVries

2006 Tom Pettitt

2007 Mike Scarr

2008 Jim Slaten

2009 Randy Parola

2010 John Cunha

2011 Tom Nielsen

2012 Craig Andrus

2013 Tim Martin

2014 Benny Jefferson

2015 George Hansen

2016 Daryl Whitcher

2017 Mark Scarr

2018 Ric Causley

2019 Jerry Bunker

2020 Brent Eastman

2021 Sam Jenkinson

2022 Dave Pedrazzi

PRESENTED BY

special guests

claudia hoyser & jesse kinch

Photo by Mag One Media

the events

Professional rodeo action consists of two types of events:

ROUGHSTOCK EVENTS & TIMED EVENTS

IN THE ROUGHSTOCK EVENTS – bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding – a contestant’s score is equally dependent upon his performance and the animal’s performance. In order to earn a qualified score, the cowboy, while using only one hand, must stay aboard a bucking horse or bull for eight seconds. If the rider touches the animal with his free hand, he is disqualified.

Two judges each score a cowboy’s qualified ride by awarding 0 to 25 points for the animal’s performance and 0 to 25 points for the rider’s performance. The judges’ scores are combined to determine the contestant’s score. A perfect score is 100 points.

IN THE TIMED EVENTS – tie down roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping and team roping – a contestant’s goal is to post the fastest time in his or her event. In these events, calves and steers are allowed a head start. Once the animal reaches the head start point– predetermined by the size of the arena – the barrier is automatically released. If a cowboy or cowgirl breaks that barrier before it is released, they are assessed a 10-second penalty.

Photo of All Around Champion Tyler Pearson

Photo by Crystal Amen

bareback riding

To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider has to mark out his horse. In other words, he must have both feet above the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after its initial move from the chute. If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, dragging his heels up the horse’s shoulders.

RC LANDINGHAM

• Age 32

• Hometown: Hat Creek, CA

• 4 Wrangler NFR Qualifications

tie-down roping

When calves were sick or injured, cowboys had to rope and immobilize them quickly for veterinary treatment. Ranch hands prided themselves on how quickly they could rope and tie calves, and they soon turned their work into informal contests. The calf gets a head start determined by the length of the arena. One end of a breakaway rope barrier is looped around the calf’s neck and stretched across the open end of the box. When the calf reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released. If the roper breaks the barrier before the calf reaches its head start, the cowboy is assessed a 10-second penalty.

When the cowboy throws his loop and catches the calf, the horse is trained to come to a stop. After roping the calf, the cowboy dismounts, sprints to his catch and throws it by hand, a maneuver called flanking. If the calf is not standing when the cowboy reaches it, he must allow the calf to get back on its feet, and then flank it. After the calf is flanked, the roper ties any three legs together with a pigging string – a short, looped rope he carries in his teeth during the run. While the contestant is accomplishing all of that, his horse must pull back hard enough to eliminate any slack in the rope, but not so hard as to drag the calf. After the roper finishes tying the calf, he throws his hands in the air as a signal that the

As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his heels over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump.

A bareback rider is judged on his feet placement, or “spurring” technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is “spurring” and his exposure or willingness to lean far back and take whatever might come during his ride.

HUNTER HERRIN

• Age 38

• Hometown: Apache, OK

• 12 Wrangler NFR Qualifications

run

Photo by Phil Doyle

is completed. The roper then mounts his horse, rides forward to create slack in the rope, then waits six seconds to see if the calf remains tied. If the calf kicks free, the roper receives no time.

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Mag One Media

saddle bronc riding team roping

Saddle Bronc riding evolved from the task of training horses to work the cattle ranches of the old West. This event requires strength, grace and precise timing. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold on to, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s “spurring,” or feet placement action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider moves his feet from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight second ride.

TANNER BUTNER

• Age 26

• Hometown: Daniel, WY

• 1 Wrangler NFR Qualification

RHEN RICHARD

• Age 33

The team ropers start from boxes on each side of the chute from which the steer enters the arena. However, at the California Rodeo Salinas, both ropers start from the header’s side of the box. The steer gets a head start determined by the length of the arena. One end of a breakaway barrier is attached to the steer then stretched across the open end of the header’s box. When the steer reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released and the header takes off in pursuit, with the heeler trailing slightly further behind. If the header breaks the barrier before the steer completes its head start, the ropers are assessed a 10-second penalty. The header ropes first and must make one of three legal catches on the steer – around both horns, around one horn and the head or around the neck. Any other catch by the header is considered illegal, and the team is disqualified. After the header makes his catch, he dallies the rope around the horn on his saddle, turns the steer to the left and exposes the steer’s hind legs to the heeler. The heeler then attempts to rope both hind legs. If the roper catches only one foot, the team is assessed a five-second penalty. After the cowboys catch the steer, the clock is stopped when there is no slack in their ropes and their horses face one another.

• Hometown: Roosevelt, UT

• 5 Wrangler NFR Qualifications

JEREMY BUHLER

• Age 35

• Hometown: Arrowwood, AB

• 4 Wrangler NFR Qualifications,

• 1 world championship

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Mag One Media

bull riding

LUCAS MOONINGHAM

• Age 24

Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eightsecond ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking ton of muscle. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and a good mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made.

• Hometown: Coldwater, MS

steer wrestling

To stay aboard the bull, a rider uses a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the barrel of the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking style. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin, or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Other bulls add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking.

BRIDGER ANDERSON

• Age 24

With the modern world record sitting at 2.4 seconds, steer wrestling is the quickest event in rodeo. The cowboy’s objective is to use strength and technique to wrestle a steer to the ground as quickly as possible.

As with tie-down ropers and team ropers, the bulldogger starts on horseback in a box. A breakaway rope barrier is attached to the steer then stretched across the open end of the box. The steer gets a head start that is determined by the size of the arena. When the steer reaches the advantage point, the barrier is released, and the bulldogger takes off in pursuit. If the bulldogger breaks the barrier before the steer reaches its head start, a 10-second penalty is assessed.

When the cowboy reaches the steer, he slides down the right side of his galloping horse, hooks his right arm around the steer’s right horn, grasps the left horn with his left hand and,

• Hometown: Carrington, ND

• 1 Wrangler NFR Qualification

using strength and leverage, wrestles the animal to the ground. His work isn’t complete until all four of the animal’s feet face upward. In order to catch up to the running steer, the cowboy uses a hazer, another mounted cowboy who gallops his horse along the right side of the steer, keeping the steer from veering away from the bulldogger.

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Mag One Media

barrel racing

BRITTANY POZZI-TONOZZI

• Age 39

• Hometown: Lampasas, TX

• 2 world championships

• 5x Salinas champion

Barrel racing began as a friendly challenge of horsemanship skills between cowgirls and has developed into a multi-million-dollar professional sport. In this event, horse and rider cross the start line at a run, follow a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, then dash across the finish line. What is not seen are the years of practice required to train a horse to run barrels, with elements of speed and control to get those fast times. The times of top riders are so close that electronic timing devices accurate to the hundredth of a second must be used.

justin Best Footing Award

The California Rodeo Salinas took first place in the California Circuit in 2022!

Every year since the early 1990s the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and Justin Brands have honored rodeo committees in each of the 12 circuits with the Justin Best Footing Awards.

The Justin Best Footing Awards ® program was created when Tom Feller, director of event marketing for Justin Brands, approached the WPRA about partnering on a program that would focus on the health and well being of the animal athlete. Not only does the program keep animal athletes performing at the top level, but it also recognizes the hard work and time rodeo committees put into making their ground as safe as possible for the barrel horse and all rodeo livestock.

This past year, a majority of the rodeos stepped up and either provided a hand rake or a tractor drag halfway through during their performances. As a result, there were numerous arena records set with the improved ground conditions allowing the horsepower in the WPRA to run at an elite level.

This award is determined by votes by the WPRA membership and Circuit Directors and represents our members’ voices saying “thank you” for a job well done. The WPRA recognizes the top three rodeo committees in all 12 circuits as well as the most improved ground committee in each circuit. Committee awards provided by Justin include cash bonuses (ranging from $350-$1,000),

plaques and, at certain award levels, a pair of Justin exotic boots. In addition, names of each winner for each of the 12 circuits are put into a drawing for an addition $1,500 bonus from Justin. The winning rodeo committees were recognized at

the WPRA Star Celebration in Las Vegas on Dec. 1, 2022 at the South Point Hotel and Casino.

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Richard Field Levine

Photo by Phil Doyle

breakaway roping

The rules of breakaway roping are similar to any roping event, the calf will be given a head start which is determined by the size of the arena. Once the barrier is released, the cowgirl must throw a loop around the calf’s neck, and stop her horse immediately. Her rope is tied to the saddle horn with a breakaway string. When the running calf reaches the end of the rope, the rope is pulled tight and the string breaks. The breaking of the string marks the end of the run. The fastest time wins.

freestyle bullfights

In a freestyle bullfight, the bullfighter goes one-on-one against a rider-less bull for 70 seconds. The bullfighter is judged on his willingness to expose himself to risk and on his aggressiveness. His objective is to stay as close as he can to the bull throughout the fight. Bullfighters have elevated the sport by employing spectacular maneuvers, such as jumping over a charging bull. Like the riders, the bullfighters score higher when the bull is more aggressive.

SHELBY BOISJOLI

• Age 25

• Hometown: Stephenville, TX

• 3 Wrangler NFBR qualifications

• 2x Salinas Champion

The California Rodeo Salinas is excited to pay out equal money in the breakaway roping this year-so the breakaway roping champion will receive the same amount of money as the team roping, saddle bronc riding and other event champions.

ALEX MCWILLIAMS

• 2017-2018 qualifier Bullfighters Only (BFO)

• 2019 American Freestyle Bullfighters Champion

• 2022 California Rodeo Salinas Champion

Bullfight bulls are bred to be smaller, quicker and more agile than those used in bull riding. They can compete for years and, like their human counterparts, learn from their mistakes and improve with experience.

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Mag One Media

debbie pedrazzi memorial cutting

2022 CHAMPION RILEY BISHOP ON METALLIC CHARLIE

The 3rd Annual Debbie Pedrazzi Memorial Cutting will take place during the Thursday, July 20th performance on the track that surrounds the rodeo arena. The event honors the memory of Debbie Pedrazzi, California Rodeo Past President Dave Pedrazzi’s late wife, who was a world champion and participated in cutting events across the country.

In the cutting event, a rider enters a herd of cattle, separates one animal out of the herd and gently guides it to the center of the arena or pen, then attempts to prevent it from returning to the herd. The agility and skill from the horse and rider is an example of remarkable athleticism. This flashy and fast event highlighting skilled riders and their talented equine partners brings excitement to the performance and educate the audience about western practices that originated from ranch work.

Riley Bishop is the back-to-back champion and only person to win the Debbie Pedrazzi Memorial Cutting so far.

horse show classes

OPEN STOCK HORSE

2022 Champion

WILL PENNEBAKER ON IM KINDA SMOOTH

The open bridle horse competition at the California Rodeo features some of the best horses and riders around. The class consists of two portions--- the rein work and fence work. In the rein work, the horse is put through a series of maneuvers including figure 8’s, run downs, stops and spins. In the fence work portion, there are 3 main sections. First the horse and rider must ‘box,’ or keep the steer at one end of the arena, then they must take ‘runs’ down the fence and make turns with the steer going both directions. Finally, the horse and rider circle up the steer in a full circle each way. The event is judged on agility, neatness and control. The horse and rider are scored on both sections with a 60 being the lowest score and an 80 being the highest (combined this would be 120, lowest, and 160, highest).

NON-PRO BRIDLE

2022 Champion

TAMMY JOHNSON ON MR. CEE STREET

This competition runs the same way as open bridle but the rider must be a non-pro, meaning that they do not take money for their services.

OPEN HACKAMORE

2022 Champion

TED ROBINSON ON DOLLAR REY

The hackamore is a bit-less bridle consisting of a rawhide noseband and comes from the Spanish word “la jaquima.” This class is for horses no older than 5 years old. Horses showing in the hackamore class are in the 2nd stage of training and will often go on to compete in the open bridle class. The hackamore class consists of two portions – the rein work and the fence work. In the rein work, the horse and rider must ‘box’ the steer at one end of the arena, then they must take ‘runs’ down the fence and make turns going both ways. Finally, the horse and rider circle up the steer in a full circle each way. The event is judged on agility, neatness and control. The horse and rider are scored on both sections with a 60 being the lowest score and an 80 being the highest (combined this would be 120, lowest, and 160, highest).

Photo by Chrystal Amen

Photo by Chrystal Amen

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Ronnie Esparza

BUTCH & VIVIEN LINDLEY

Butch and Vivien Lindley were selected as this year’s California Rodeo Committee persons of the year.

The California Rodeo has over 1400 volunteers that serve on over 70 committees. It is the volunteers that make our event happen. Each year our volunteers nominate, from their peers, individuals who go above and beyond in their service to the California Rodeo. From these nominees, the executive committee selects the committee person of the year. This year a couple, Butch and Vivien Lindley, have been selected. Butch and Vivien chair the Cowboy Poetry Committee, serve on the Special Buckaroos committee and are long standing volunteers.

In addition to dedicating their time to the Rodeo, Butch and Vivien are also active with local fair boards, the Boys & Girls Club, and many other non-profits. They also host over 16 people in their home, including all the freestyle bullfighters, during Big Week.

committee members of the year 2022 arena committee man 2022

KYLE SPARKS

Pat & Del Garlinger Memorial Buckle Buckle donated by Garlinger Partners

"Howdy" is a philosophy and customer service program at the Salinas Sports Complex and the California Rodeo Salinas. We want attendees to have the best experience possible at our events. The Howdy Code is a second phase of these principles developed for our volunteers.

Around here we work hard, we work together, and we work to keep the west alive. We are patient and honest with ourselves and each other, we are a family. We stand for what we believe in, finish what we start and take pride in volunteering. We are proud of our city and tirelessly work together for the good of our community. The following Howdy Code embodies these general principles and guides us in our service as volunteers:

1 Be truthful at all times and never take unfair advantage.

We believe that without honesty there is no foundation for lasting relationships. We do not steal, do not lie, do not deceive or cheat one another and do not tolerate those that do. We follow the rules and when we make a promise, we keep it.

2 Take pride in your work and be responsible for your actions.

We know the value of volunteering and the sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from our efforts. We are responsible for our actions – all of them. We all make mistakes, but when we do, we take responsibility and make it right. We do what has to be done and finish what we start. If we drink, we do so responsibly. We focus on safety, for our self and others and try to keep things in perspective.

3 Be polite and courteous to all.

Being polite means we are aware of and respect the feelings of other people. Politeness can and will improve our relationships with others, help to build respect and rapport, and help avoid unproductive arguments. We are committed to practicing the Howdy philosophy of customer service at all times when interacting with our guests and members of the public.

4 Respect our flag and our country

Our flag represents all of us, the American People. At the California Rodeo we stand for the flag to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and to show our gratitude for this great nation and the flag that honors it.

5 Always be kind to and care for animals.

We believe we have the right to interact with animals in the sport of rodeo. With this right comes the responsibility to insure the wellbeing of animals participating in our events. As an organization we keep current on regulatory policy and guidelines and industry information related to animal care to constantly improve our practices.

6 Ride for the brand.

Riding for the brand is an expression of our commitment as volunteers to always represent the California Rodeo the best that we can and to constantly elevate the reputation of the California Rodeo and the sport of rodeo. It’s about working hard, committing yourself to your fellow volunteers and the California Rodeo, and thinking about the group and not just yourself.

Photo by Mag One Media

2022 committee of the year ARENA

This California Rodeo’s Arena Committee is an integral part of the show-with no arena, we couldn’t have a rodeo! These volunteers work tirelessly during the performances, but also during slack (when the overflow of athletes who don’t fit in the performance compete) each day and also sorting and prepping animals well before the event even starts. In 2023 they also rebuilt the roping chutes. The Arena Committee has to coordinate timing and execution within their own committee, which is spread out from the roping chutes to the bucking chutes and at the stripping chutes as well as with the timer’s stand, announcer’s stand and more. It’s a complicated job that our dedicated volunteers take on and execute well each year. We tip our hats to the hard-working Arena Committee!

The California Rodeo Salinas would not exist without the over 1,400 volunteers that work hard throughout the year and during Big Week to put on our great events.

We encourage you to find an area you like and follow the process mentioned below to become a volunteer and get involved in this historic event.

The Volunteer Services Committee of the California Rodeo Salinas assigns new volunteers to various committees that help to run “Big Week” each July.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, complete a Volunteer Application and turn it in at the main office of the California Rodeo at 1034 N. Main Street or submit it online.

A full list of committees and volunteer forms can be found at www.CARODEO.com.

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Ronnie Esparza

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Ronnie Esparza

wrangler national patriot program

The California Rodeo Salinas supports the Wrangler National Patriot Program and is honored to donate funds generated by the program to Monterey Bay Veterans, Inc. Wrangler is proud of the Wrangler® National Patriot™ Program, created to provide funding and support for America’s wounded and fallen soldiers and their families.

2023 will be the 12th year the California Rodeo is participating in the Wrangler National Patriot Program and donating money to the Monterey Bay Veterans (MBV), a local charity started in Monterey, California, and recognized nationally for providing marine rehabilitation by way of fishing trips for Wounded Warriors and Veterans. MBV also has a one-of-a-kind dive boat equipped to allow quadriplegic divers to scuba dive.

In 2011 the Los Amigos Del Rodeo (Friends of the RodeoL.A.D.R.) club was established to raise funds to make improvements to the Salinas Sports Complex, home of the California Rodeo Salinas. Our club has raised approximately $275,000 dollars since its inception!

The Los Amigos Del Rodeo club is an exclusive group limited to just 85 memberships with 2 people allowed per membership, has annual dues of $2,000 and is a 501C3 charitable non-profit.

Each membership includes entrance to the Members Only L.A.D.R. VIP Room, daily box seats, parking passes and entrance into the Friday night after party.

Once you are checked into the L.A.D.R. VIP Room, each day will present you with a different and incredible dining experience, as well as all the premium alcohol you can drink and daily live entertainment! Our L.A.D.R. team focuses on giving you the best service in our air conditioned, upscale VIP room while you enjoy the Rodeo performance on one of the big screen TVs.

The VIP R oom is a 21 and over venue.

Over the last several years our members have funded an impressive number of worthy projects including:

• Re-roofed the Cowboy Hospital

• Replaced Light Fixtures over the Bucking Chutes

• Purchased a Gator for the Grounds Crew

• Re-roofed the Facilities Office

• Purchased a BBQ Pit for Rodeo Events

• New Bathroom Hand Dryers

• Re-finished Floors in the Exhibition Hall

• Repair Arena Wiring

• Repair Stripping Pens

• Heritage Museum –New Awning and Repairs

• Rough Stock Pens

• Contestant Center Expansion and Improvement

• Donated to the PRU Stadium Project

• Tatum’s Garden Donation

• Heater in the Complex kitchen

• Museum lights

Photos by Mag One Media

Photos by Mag One Media

Presented

by Jack in the Box®

As one of the most sought-after performers in the equine industry, Jessica Blair Fowlkes has been thrilling crowds with her dazzling performances and beautiful horses for over ten years now. In 2021, Jessica made her debut appearance in Las Vegas at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Cheyenne Frontier Days, St. Paul, OR, and the Midwest Horse Fair have been just a few of the other stops along her way. Jessica got her start performing as one of Dolly Parton’s lead performers at the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, while she attended school at the University of Tennessee receiving a Bachelors in Nursing. With her daring stunts at fast speeds, Jessica places all her trust in her beautiful grey horses, and prides herself in the training and partnerships they have built. A mother of two, Jessica continues to travel around the United States, sharing her love of the western way of life with her children and entertaining thousands along the way.

trick rider Jessica Blair Fowlkes matt merritt rodeo entertainer

Presented by Elli’s Great American Restaurant

Matt Merritt started his career as an entertainer when he was just a teenager in NW Louisiana. Since then he has worked almost all major rodeos in the US. He worked his first Professional Bull Riding in 2004 and has traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and all across the United States to entertain crowds. He was also one of the featured entertainers in the Fox Studios/Nicholas Sparks movie “The Longest Ride.”

Matt says that in an age where everyone has a phone in their hand that is capable of providing that person with their version of entertainment it is becoming increasingly difficult to entertain with innovative and fresh material, but he welcomes the challenge.

Matt was in Salinas in 2019 and 2021 and we are happy to welcome him back this July!

chuck wagon racing

Presented by Boyds Asphalt Services

Chuck wagon racin’...The ORIGINAL drift cars!! Everybody loves a horse race! Three, four-horse drawn wagons race around the arena creating dirt slingin’ excitement.

This act has been featured at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Redding Rodeo, and many more western events. The chuck wagons will race daily during all four performances of the California Rodeo Salinas in 2023.

Photo by Sam Sin Photography

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Richard Field Levine

Photo by Mag One Media

Photos by Mag One Media

announcers WILL RASMUSSEN

Montana native Will Rasmussen started announcing at Salinas in 1999. A professional announcer since 1994, Rasmussen’s trademark is his enthusiasm for the sport and his ability to involve the entire audience in each of the rodeo events. His commentary is down-toearth, sprinkled with rodeo facts and trivia and enjoyable for both first-time attendees and rodeo enthusiasts alike. He was named the Announcer of the Year for the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association in 2021. Will lives in Salmon, ID with his wife Kathi and they have 7 children and 7 grandchildren.

scholarships

The California Rodeo Salinas is passionate about supporting youth education in our community and has awarded scholarships to local students for the past 36 years.

We have one scholarship program that is administered by Hartnell College, with students attending Hartnell or transferring from Hartnell being eligible to apply, and a newer scholarship program with the Community Foundation for Monterey County where funds are awarded to students who are Rodeo Committee Members or family of Rodeo Committee Members pursuing higher education (and not limited to Hartnell College).

In 2022, the California Rodeo Salinas was proud to award $30,000 in scholarships to local students.

WAYNE BROOKS

Making his 24th appearance at the California Rodeo Salinas, Wayne Brooks is calling the action he was once a part of. A professional saddle bronc rider-turned announcer in 1993, Brooks is one of the sport’s top announcers. He has earned the honor of being chosen the PRCA Announcer of the Year five times! Wayne lives in Lampasas, TX with his wife Melanie; they have a son, Ace, and two daughters Taylor (Austin) and Sheridan (Kyle). When Wayne isn’ttraveling to rodeos across North America, he and Melanie enjoy being grandparents to Ella, Joseph, Lucy, Jane and one more on the way!

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Phil Doyle

rodeo terms - Did you know?

Average

Usually used to describe the aggregate score for a contestant who competed in more than one round, e.g., “He had times of 9.3 and 9.8 seconds in the two rounds and placed third in the average with 19.1 seconds on two head.”

Bronc rein

Is attached to a halter; a saddle bronc rider holds onto a bronc rein at a specific position that he determines based on the size and bucking habits of the horse he’s about to ride.

Bulldogger

A steer wrestler.

Covering

In the roughstock events, staying on for at least the minimum time of eight seconds. “He covered all three broncs he rode last weekend.”

Draw

Each roughstock competitor who enters a PRCA rodeo is assigned a specific bucking horse or bull in a random draw conducted at PRCA headquarters three days before the rodeo; each timed-event contestant is assigned a calf or steer in a random draw on site, shortly before each performance of a rodeo begins.

Go-round

Many rodeos have more than one round of competition; each is called a go-round, and all cowboys entered in that rodeo compete in each go-round unless there is a semi-final, final or progressive round.

Hooey

The knot that a cowboy uses to finish tying the calf’s legs together in tiedown roping.

Hung up

When a rough stock rider cannot remove his hand from the rope or handle before he dismounts or is thrown off the bull’s or horse’s back, his hand is “hung up” – a dangerous situation – and the pickup men or bullfighters will move in to help dislodge his hand so he can get clear of the animal.

Nodding

In the roughstock events, a cowboy nods his head when he is ready for the gateman to open the gate and the ride to begin; in the timed events, a cowboy nods when he is ready for the calf or steer to be released from the chute and get its head start.

Flank Strap

A fleece lined leather strap that is placed behind the horse’s rib cage in the flank area. A 5/8 inch soft cotton rope is used in the bull riding event. Flank straps are not fastened tightly and do not hurt the animals. If this strap is tightened too tight, the animal will refuse to buck.

Rank

An adjective of praise and respect used to describe especially challenging roughstock.

Riggin’

A suitcase-style handhold customized to a rider’s grip and attached to a molded piece of leather that is cinched, with a pad, around the horse’s girth. A riggin’ is used in the bareback riding.

local traditions & kids events

MUTTON BUSTIN’

Presented by Pacific Valley Bank

Mutton Bustin’ is a young rodeo fan’s chance to join in on the competition at the California Rodeo Salinas. Not only does Mutton Bustin’ give kids a chance to be included in this prestigious rodeo, it is also one of the biggest action-packed events of the rodeo, topping the list as a crowd favorite year after year. Each buckaroo in the competition is given the chance to make a memorable ride atop a sheep with a crowd of thousands cheering them on. This event captures the spirit of aspiring young rodeo enthusiasts between the ages of four and seven weighing 60 pounds or less. Protective gear is provided to the competitors. Ribbons are given to the Mutton Bustin’ winners daily throughout the duration of the California Rodeo. Sunday’s overall winner will receive the coveted title of “California Rodeo Salinas Mutton Bustin’ Champion” along with a buckle in recognition of their champion Mutton Bustin’ skills.

AUTOGRAPH PARTY

Presented by SafetEquip

The autograph party is held daily on the track after each performance. Free posters are provided for your favorite athlete’s signatures!

STICK HORSE RACE

Presented by Black Bear Diner

Thursday, July 20th, 4:30pm

Don’t miss out on the fun of the Stick Horse Race, held at 4:30pm before the Rodeo on the track for 3 to 8 year olds. Top racers will get a chance to race on the track during the rodeo performance later that night.

INDUSTRIAL CALF DRESSING

Presented by 1st Capital Bank

The Industrial Calf Dressing event offers a unique opportunity for non-professional rodeo contestants to participate in rodeo. The objective is to successfully dress a live calf in a pair of giant Wranglers in the shortest amount of time. The rules governing this event are that the Wranglers get on the right end of the calf and no harm is done to the animal.

KIDS CORRAL

Presented by McDonalds

The McDonald’s Kids Corral will be open daily during all four Rodeo performances-admission is FREE! Take the kids in to enjoy lots of fun activities.

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Ronnie Esparza

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Ronnie Esparza

Photo by Ronnie Esparza

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Mag One Media

cowboy protectors

JOSH DARIES

34 year old Josh Daries is from Salinas, CA and has been fighting bulls since 2014. He was selected to fight the California Circuit Finals twice and was the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Bullfighter of the Year five times. He is a graduate of North Monterey County High School and attended Feather River College and the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Josh made his made his debut in 2021 during the Big Week Bull Riding and moved to cowboy protection in the arena during the four professional rodeo performances in 2022. He has been a volunteer, contestant and now personnel for his hometown rodeo. Josh lives in Clements, CA with his wife Tyla.

ANDY BURELLE

Freestyle Bullfight Barrelman

Andy Burelle was born and raised in Michigan, “The Wolverine State.” He attended college at Eastern Michigan University and began his rodeo career as a bull rider at J Bar J Ranch. Soon after, he learned to fight bulls from the great bullfighter Rex Dunn. Andy has worked at most prestigious rodeos including the Calgary Stampede, California Rodeo Salinas and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. He offers top-notch value in showmanship, inside and outside of the arena. Andy will be in the barrel during the Freestyle Bullfights helping his buddies stay safe while they maneuver around bulls instead of fighting those bulls himself. Andy’s freestyle bullfighting experience makes him the right guy for the job and we are always happy to welcome him back to the California Rodeo Salinas. He and his wife, Robyn, son, Zane and daughter, Sonora, make their home in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

NATHAN HARP

Nathan Harp grew up in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Nathan wasn’t brought up in a rodeo family, but since he can remember he has always had a love for rodeo. At the age of 16 he started to pursue his love for rodeo through bullfighting. After high school he put all of his effort into his career and before long found success in the freestyle bullfights. In 2011 he won the Rex Dunn World Championship Freestyle Bullfights and is a 2x California Rodeo Salinas Bullfight Champion. Since joining the PRCA in 2012, he has worked some of the most prestigious rodeos and has been voted on four times to work the Ram Prairie Circuit Finals, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2021 and the PBR World Finals in 2023.

The Cowboy Protector is responsible for distracting the bull while the cowboy regains his sense of direction and escapes to safety after a fall or dismount. Today’s bullfighter, far from being a clown, is serious about his job; he routinely places his own life in danger in an effort to protect the cowboy. The modern bullfighter is also an accomplished athlete, a master of timing and agility.

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Richard Field Levine

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

event & buckle sponsors

Arena

BAREBACK RIDING

Event & Buckle sponsored by Granite Construction

STEER WRESTLING

Event & Buckle sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions

TEAM ROPING

Event & Buckle sponsored by Taylor Farms

SADDLE BRONC

Event & Buckle sponsored by Carlon’s Fire & Safety

TIE-DOWN ROPING

Event & Buckle sponsored by Boot Barn

BULL RIDING

Event & Buckle sponsored by Coors

GOLD CARD TEAM ROPING

Event & Buckle sponsored by Jim & Sally Martins Family, in Memory of Jim Martins. Gold Card Incentive Buckles sponsored by Jim and Sally Martins Family in Memory of Jim Rodriquez, Sr.

BREAKAWAY ROPING

Event & Buckle sponsored by Boutonnet Farms

Track & Special Events/Awards

MUTTON BUSTIN’

Event & Buckle sponsored by Pacific Valley Bank

MISS CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS

Sponsored by Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Tiara & Buckle donated by Harden Foundation

FREESTYLE BULLFIGHTS

Event & Buckle sponsored by ATS Transportation

SPECIALTY ACT - CHUCK WAGON RACES

Sponsored by Boyds Asphalt Services

SPECIALTY ACT - TRICK RIDER JESSICA BLAIR FOWLKES

Sponsored by Jack in the Box

RODEO ENTERTAINER/CLOWN-MATT MERRITT

Sponsored by Elli’s Great American Restaurant

OTHER AWARDS

ARENA COMMITTEEMAN OF THE YEAR

“Pat & Del Garlinger Memorial Buckle” donated by Garlinger Partners

BIG WEEK BULL RIDING XTREME BULLS CHAMPION

Buckle sponsored by Rancho San Lucas

OPEN HACKAMORE CLASS

Sponsored by Rain For Rent

OPEN STOCK HORSE

Sponsored by Tom Bengard Ranch

Buckle donated by Christensen & Giannini

NON-PRO BRIDLE CLASS

Sponsored by Mission Linen and Uniform Supply

COWBOY AND COWGIRL RACE

Sponsored by Soria Contracting and Solutions, Inc.

Buckle donated by Rancho San Lucas

DEBBIE PEDRAZZI MEMORIAL CUTTING

Event & Buckle sponsored by the Dave Pedrazzi Family

INDUSTRIAL CALF DRESSING

Sponsored by 1st Capital Bank, Buckles donated by Sturdy Oil

WOMEN’S BARREL RACING

Event & Buckle sponsored by East Bay Tire

ALL AROUND CHAMPION COWBOY

“Ki Silacci Memorial Spurs” donated by Silacci Ranch, Buckle donated by Silacci Ranch: Pete & Kevin Silacci, Saddle donated by Mycars.com

*All other buckles and awards not listed are sponsored by the California Rodeo Salinas

Photos by Mag One Media

hall of fame

JIM SHOULDERS CONTESTANT

Born on May 13, 1928, in Tulsa, Okla., Jim Shoulders was a city boy with no livestock background. Shoulders was 14 years old when he saw and promptly entered his first rodeo. His astonishing natural talent was apparent even then – he won $18 in the bareback riding. Shoulders developed his skills by paying his entry fees and getting on bareback horses and bulls and occasionally on saddle broncs, too. Before he graduated from high school, he had joined the Cowboys’ Turtle Association. He won $7,000 his first full year as a pro. In 1949, at age 21, he won the first of his 16 world titles, and was almost unbeatable for the next 10 years. 1949 was also the year he won his first of four bull riding buckles in Salinas, followed by wins in 1951, 1952 and 1957. Following retirement from competition, Shoulders became a ProRodeo stock contractor. He passed away in 2007.

Information courtesy of ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

PAT DUVAL NOTABLE

Patrick DuVal has been a beloved fixture at the California Rodeo Salinas for over three decades, kicking off each rodeo performance singing ‘I Love You California’ as part of the grand entry festivities. Known as the Singing Sheriff, DuVal overcame limitations in the segregated South before moving to California in 1966 and having a successful thirty-year career as a Monterey County Sheriff Deputy. The first African American Sheriff in Monterey County is not only an accomplished singer but was also actively involved in his community with the Carmel Valley Rotary and Lions Club, Boys Scouts of America and the Boys and Girls Club of Seaside. DuVal was named an Honorary Director of the California Rodeo Salinas in 2018 and served as the Grand Marshal of the Kiddie Kapers Parade in 2022. He continues to perform at the California Rodeo each year and values the tradition and the friendships he has made over the years.

HARDEN FOUNDATION SUPPORTER/CONTRIBUTOR

Gene and Ercia Harden founded the Harden Foundation in 1963 to assist non-profit charitable organizations in the Salinas Valley. Over the past 60 years, the foundation has awarded more than $91 million in grants to community non-profit groups in Monterey County. Their hard work and good fortune in agriculture in the Salinas Valley produced the legacy that has, through their foresight and generosity, become today’s Harden Foundation. The Harden Foundation has made significant grants totaling over $3.2 million to help with the funding of a variety of structures and areas of the Salinas Sports Complex, home of the California Rodeo Salinas, such as the main grandstand, rooms underneath the main grandstand, the California Rodeo Heritage Museum, the multipurpose football and soccer stadium, and improvements to the softball fields. In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Harden, the foundation has provided the Miss California Rodeo Salinas belt buckle and tiara for the past 38 years.

GARY GIST SUPPORTER/CONTRIBUTOR

Gary Gist has spent nearly his whole life competing in or lending his innovative craftsmanship to the sport of rodeo. He first competed in the California Rodeo Salinas in the team roping event in 1958 at the age of 12 with his father Byron Gist; they went on to win the team roping championship together in 1965. Gist competed in the professional team roping event for over 30 years, only missing one year while he was stationed in Vietnam, and then competed in the Gold Card Team Roping for over 20 years, winning another buckle with his father who was 84 years old at the time. Gist treasures his Salinas buckles, but his legacy is crafting the coveted championship buckles for the past two decades that contestants across the world strive to win. Known as the ‘most beautiful buckles in the rodeo world,’ the quality and craftsmanship of the Salinas buckles can be attributed to Gist Silversmiths and some of Gary Gist’s finest work.

Miss California Rodeo Salinas

2022 m ay s o n b o t h w e l l

From a fifth generation California family, Mayson Bothwell hails originally from Livermore but now lives near King City. This current student of Cuesta College is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business with the goal of becoming a Cattle Brand Inspector.

Previously a member of the Future Farmers of America, she plans to continue being an advocate for the agricultural industry and to strive for the knowledge and understanding of what it will take to keep the industry strong.

Mayson stays busy preparing her horses for competitions in ranch riding and ranch trail with hopes to compete in reined cowhorse this year. She has competed in High School and Norcal Jr. Rodeo with many successes in the barrel racing event. In her spare time, Mayson enjoys the beautiful beaches of California, home projects, leather making and testing her green thumb in the garden.

Familiar with the responsibilities of a rodeo ambassador, Mayson is dedicated to educating the next generation of young cowboys and cowgirls.

Photos by Ronnie Esparza

freestyle bullfighters

In a freestyle bullfight, the bullfighter goes one-on-one against a rider-less bull for 70 seconds. The bullfighter is judged on his willingness to expose himself to risk and on his aggressiveness. His objective is to stay as close as he can to the bull throughout the fight. Bullfighters have elevated the sport by employing spectacular maneuvers, such as jumping over a charging bull. Like the riders, the bullfighters score higher when the bull is more aggressive.

Bullfight bulls are bred to be smaller, quicker and more agile than those used in bull riding. They can compete for years and, like their human counterparts, learn from their mistakes and improve with experience. Bullfighters Only, the BFO, is sanctioning our 2022 bullfights and they are presented by ATS Transportation Services, Inc.

AUSTIN ASHLEY

Austin Ashley grew up in Oklahoma and was raised amongst the cutting horse industry and later around rodeo. At the age of 12 and with the help of Cody and Ashley Webster, Austin began to pursue freestyle bullfighting while attending school and playing school sports. Austin won Bullfighters Only fights in 2021 in Reno, NV and Salinas, CA and was runner-up in Cody, WY.

ALEX MCWILLIAMS

sanctioned by

WESTON RUTKOWSKI

Weston, Fear the Beard, Rutkowski is a 3rd generation Rodeo Cowboy hailing from Haskell, Texas where he grew up watching his uncles compete as professional saddle bronc riders. Weston’s hard work and dedication earned him 3 Bullfighter’s Only World Titles so far and numerous other accomplishments. Weston credits his commitment to working out every day and staying physically fit for allowing him to get around bulls the way he does. Weston says bullfighting is a mental challenge. He lives in Texas with his wife Avery.

AARON MERCER

30-year-old Aaron Mercer started fighting bulls in 2019 in the Bullfighters Only tour and won the world title that year. He went on to prove it was not a fluke by winning the world title again in 2020. After recent knee surgery, Aaron has rested up and recovered and is ready to make a run for the 2023 world championship. He makes his home in Calgary, AB.

presented by

Alex McWilliams was born and raised in Paso Robles, CA. Alex wasn’t brought up around rodeo but at the age of 14 his parents started buying bucking bulls and he decided he wanted to be a part of rodeo. At 14 he was introduced to Frank Newsom and attended his schools. He started doing little rodeos and at the age of 17 he started his freestyle career. In 2018 he went to the Rex Dunn world championship bullfights and pulled out the win. In 2019 he won the world title with the American Freestyle Bullfighters. Alex qualified for the Bullfighters Only (BFO) world finals 2 years in a row in 2017-2018 and won the California Rodeo Salinas bullfights in 2022.

CHANCE MOORMAN

Chance Moorman is only 21 years old, but he’s been fighting bulls for four years. Mentored by Ross Hill, Chance set the mark at 93 points for the highest marked fight in 2020 and recently matched that in 2022 which won him $50,000 in Ft. Worth, TX. He won the Ultimate Bullfights world title in 2020.

ELY SHARKEY

After qualifying for the Bullfighters Only world finals three times and finishing in the top 10 three times, 2021 was Ely Sharkey’s first year competing in the freestyle bullfights at Salinas; he won round 3 and finished second by money earned. He finished 4th overall in the Bullfighters Only world standings in 2021. He is 28 years old and hails from Ainsworth, NE.

Photo by Andre Silva

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

2023 sponsors

ALL AROUND GRAND CHAMPION SPONSORS

• Carlon’s Fire and Safety

• Coors

• Crown Royal

GRAND CHAMPION SPONSORS

• Advanced Transportation Services

• American AgCredit

• Granite Construction

• KSBW 8/NBC

• ABC

• Mag One Media

• Jack in the Box

• Wrangler

• RDO Equipment Co.

• Republic Services of Salinas

• Tanimura and Antle

SPO NSO RS

• 3 Star Lettuce

• Albert Alvarado

• Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.

• American Farms

• AMW Express LLC

• C&N Tractors

• Cal Coast Machinery

• California Giant Berry Farms

• California Safe Soil

• Estrella TV

• Mission Linen & Uniform Supply

GOLD CHAMPION SPONSORS

• Boot Barn

• Braga Fresh

• Central Coast Sign & Design

• Church Brothers Farms

• East Bay Tire

• Foster Freeze

CHAMPION SPONSORS

• 92.7 KTOM FM

• AG Land Trust

• Alco Water Company

• Alfredo’s Concrete 1 Inc.

• Associated Services

• AvidWater

• Best Buy

• Boyds Asphalt Services

• Bunker & Sons

• Cal Construction

• California Towing

• California Water Service

• CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

• Coastal Tractor

• Coca Cola Bottling Company/Reyes

• D & M Traffic Services, Inc

• Dataflow Business Systems

• Don Chapin Company

MAJOR SPONSORS

• 102.5 KDON

• 1NEN Logistics LLC

• 1st Capital Bank

• 95.5 Bob & 101.7 The Beach

• Ace High Designs

• Alsop Pump - Muller Irrigation

• American Door & Gate

• Artistic HangUps

• Artistic Shower Glass and Door

• Bengard Ranches

• Black Bear Diner

• Boutonnet Farms

• Butch & Vivien Lindley

• C & A Truck Brokerage

• CalNonprofits Insurance Services

• Cardinale Moving and Storage, Inc.

• Cattaneo Bros.

• Christensen & Giannini

• Coastal Grower

• Custom Harvesting

• Dobler & Sons, LLC

• Drew Massa Transportation

• Duda Farm Fresh Foods

• EBX Logistics

• Elli’s Great American Restaurant

• Fletes Pressure Wash

• Taylor Farms

• Univision & Unimas

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites

• IPM Specialist

• Mechanics Bank

• Nutrien Ag Solutions

• Pacific Ag Rentals

• Pacific Valley Bank

• Driscoll’s

• EFFECTV

• Enza Zaden

• Fresh Foods, Inc.

• Golz Construction, Inc.

• GreenGate Fresh

• Hayward Lumber Company

• Hitchcock Farms

• Jefferson Farms

• Jenkinson Construction

• Jim & Sally Martins Family

• Justin Brands dba Justin Boots

• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.

• KION 46 CBS/Telemundo 23 KMUV

• KLOK La Tricolor 99.5/99.9 FM & KSES La Suavecita 107.1 FM/900 AM

• Foothill Packing

• FOX 35

• Gold’s Gym NorCal

• Gonzales Equipment Sales, Inc.

• Green Valley Farm Supply

• Grower’s Pub

• Headstart Nursery & Radicle Seed

• Henry Hibino Farms

• In Loving Memory of Mayor Joe Gunter

• Johnson Associates

• JoyPers Shoes

• JRG Attorneys at Law

• KHIP The Hippo 104.3 FM

• L.A. Hearne Company

• Laughtons Cabinets

• Lowe Packaging Group

• Misionero

• Monterey Herald

• Monterey Regional Airport

• Monterey Signs

• Moresco Farms

• Naio Technologies Inc.

• Nielsen Properties/Fowler Ranch

• Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss

• Nor-West, Inc.

• Ocean Mist Farms

• Ram Rodeo

• Salinas Valley Health

• Star Market

• Valley Farm Management

• KWAV 96.9 FM

• La Preciosa 100.7 y 100.9 FM

• McDonalds Raymond Costa

• Mia Fusion Cuisine/Pasta Mia

• MyCars.com

• Naturipe Berry Growers

• Pacific International Marketing

• Painting by Noe

• Quinn Rentals

• Sabor Farms

• Salinas Valley Barb Wire

• Salinas Valley Tire

• Sam Ruiz Painting

• Silke Communications

• Sturdy Oil

• The Outdoor Market at the Rodeo

• Triangle Farms/JV Farms Organic

• Vista Verde Labor

• Overhead Door Company of Salinas

• Portobello’s

• Power Talk 1460 AM & 105.1 KOCN

• Premium Packing

• RAC3 Logistics

• Rain for Rent

• Raley’s/Nob Hill

• Randazzo Enterprises, Inc.

• RC Farms

• SafetEquip

• Save On Cleaners

• Scudder Roofing & Solar

• Sonja Giovanetti Consulting

• Soria Contracting and Solutions, Inc.

• Star Sanitation

• TopFlavor Farms

• Tricord Tradeshow Services, Inc.

• TS&L Seeds

• U.S. Bank

• Vargas Construction

• Wheeler’s Flooring

• Xavier & Ashlee Barba

• Zada Fresh Farms

• Carbon Robotics

• Chevron

• Chick-fil-A North Salinas

• Cisne Family

• CO2 KRAY & KMJV

• Cypress Berry Farms

• Dardini Logistics LLC

• D’Arrigo California/Andy Boy

• Dave Pedrazzi Family

• DeeDee Nucci-Reyna & Rich Radley

• Denham Plastics/Bin Dr/Orbis

• Got Mosquitos

• Growers Container Co.

• Grower-Shipper Association

• iTradeNetwork

• J.M. Equipment

• JD FRESH AG

• Joseph J. Massolo

• Kleinfeldt Family BBQ, LLC

• La Sirenita Tree Service

• Lone Cypress Logistics

• Mansmith’s BBQ

• Massolo Brothers, Inc

• Merrill Family

• Montana Silversmiths

• Monterra Construction

• Muzzi Family Farms

• Nature’s Reward

• NC Construction

• Pan American Insurance Services

• Pezzini Berry Farms

• Premier Valley Bank

• ProH2O

• Rafter M Welding & Fabrication

• Relation Insurance Services

• Sakata Seed America

• Salinas Pump Company

• Salinas Valley Dental Care

• Sconberg Ranch

• Snow Seed & Supplies Inc.

• Syngenta Vegetable Seeds

• Takii Seeds

• The Nunes Company

• The Sherwin Williams Company

• Tom Carriger Plumbing

• Topo Chico

• Toro Petroleum

• TowBoatU.S. Santa Cruz

• Tri County Flooring

• Valley Overhead Doors & Gates

• Valley Pacific Petroleum Services, Inc.

• Vegetable Growers Supply

• Wilbur Ellis

• Willis Construction

• Winsupply Monterey County

rodeo presidents

These dedicated volunteers put in decades of service before becoming President of the California Rodeo Salinas. They all worked on committees and moved up to Chairman and/or Director status before joining the Executive Committee of Officers who lead the California Rodeo Salinas.

We thank them for their commitment.

CRAIG ANDRUS 2010-2011

BENNY JEFFERSON 2012-2013

DARYL WHITCHER 2014-2015

BRENT EASTMAN 2018-2019

DAVE PEDRAZZI 2020-2021

MIKE SCARR 2016-2017

WALT CAMERON 1992-1993

RON CLEMENTS 1998-1999

MIKE STORM 1996-1997

WARREN WAYLAND 1994-1995

JOE GRAINGER 2000-2001

JOHN CUNHA 2008-2009

LLOYD APPLING 2002-2003

JIM SLATEN 2006-2007

TOM PETTITT 2004-2005

L.M. TYNAN 1959-1960

W.T. BRAMERS 1957-1958

E.J. LEACH, JR. 1961-1963

D.T. GARLINGER 1966-1967

HOWARD WEILE 1964-1965

E.J. LEACH 1953-1956

EUGENE DAYTON 1935-1952

ARTHUR HEBBRON 1913-1934

SHERWOOD CAUSLEY 1975-1976

ROBERT GRAINGER 1977-1978

GEORGE RICHARDSON

ag against hunger mascot race

The 12th annual Ag Against Hunger Produce Mascot Race will take place during the Friday night performance of the California Rodeo Salinas on July 21st. The track will be full of giant mascots who will race toward the finish line in a sprint combined with a special challenge. Church Brothers’ “The Green Machine” won the race in 2022.

Each company pays an entry fee of $1,000 that is donated directly to Ag Against Hunger. The entry fees along with other donations resulted in the California Rodeo Salinas donating over $110,000 to Ag Against Hunger over the last 11 years.

Ag Against Hunger (AAH), started in 1990, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger by creating a connection between the agricultural community and food assistance programs. They now distribute an average of over 12 million pounds annually to their food bank partners. The Rodeo and Ag Against Hunger came up with the idea of racing mascots in 2011 and the program has been a success ever since. Without the support of local sponsors, this race and monetary donation would not be possible.

Photos by Mag One Media

golden circle of champions

The Golden Circle of Champions originated in Santa Maria at the Elks Rodeo and has gone national. The Golden Circle of Champions was conceived to raise awareness and provide funds to help pediatric cancer patients and their families. Through donations and fundraising efforts, support is provided directly to the families to fulfill their most urgent needs: paying bills, buying medicine, and caring for their family. The program has expanded to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo where ten rodeo committees select a child aged 4-16 who was a cancer patient or survivor to travel to Las Vegas to attend an exclusive luncheon with Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contestants and one performance of the WNFR.

In 2022 the California Rodeo selected 10-year-old Olivia (Livy) Ingram of Salinas to travel to Las Vegas and experience the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

While in Las Vegas, the children and their families were honored at the Golden Circle of Champions Banquet. The children dined with rodeo champions, received unique gifts and learned about the sport of rodeo.

kiddie kapers parade

All honorees attended the Wrangler NFR at the Thomas & Mack Center where they cheered on their favorite cowboy or cowgirl. Livy’s cowboy was Saddle Bronc Rider Chase Brooks who still keeps in contact with her. It was an experience that Livy and the Ingram family will not soon forget.

Olivia’s Story - Livy is the very definition of grit. She was diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of two and a metastatic brain tumor at the age of three. Proving herself a fighter, she has undergone three stem cell transplants and six rounds of intensive chemo. She has had multiple brain surgeries that have required her to relearn to walk and talk three times since she was born. This early fight has taught her to never use the word quit. When she was six years old, she went to visit her dad in the hospital, after he nearly lost his leg, and her first words for him were “you’ll be fine.” Olivia excels at school and loves sports. At home she is the middle child with two brothers who are very close in age. She loves them both dearly, but they know who the boss is. Her passion is teaching her cat Chloe new tricks, art projects and she admires architecture, with aspirations of one day being a fine home architect.

Presented by Sakata Seed America

Photo by Mag One Media

heritage museum

The California Rodeo Salinas Heritage Museum is a hidden gem in Salinas and a huge part of the legacy of the California Rodeo.

The California Rodeo Historical Committee was formed in 1979. Their efforts were aided by a gift of an authentic Wells Fargo Stagecoach along with a building in which to house the coach.

With help from committee members, rodeo directors and people of the Rodeo community,

the Historical Committee has accumulated a remarkable amount of memorabilia relative to the rodeo. Attractive displays of vintage Miss California Rodeo outfits, rodeo clown costumes and cowboy attire from some of the California Rodeo’s most famous alumni can all be found in the museum. Saddles, cowboy hats and tack donated by those families connected to the Rodeo’s founding directors and participants can also be seen.

The California Rodeo Heritage Collection Museum is located at 1034 North Main Street in Salinas (California Rodeo Grounds). The Rodeo Museum is open to rodeo fans all four days of the rodeo: Thursday and Friday from 4pm into the evening and Saturday and Sunday from 11am until the Rodeo ends. The museum can be visited by the public by special appointment throughout the year.

The California Rodeo Salinas started supporting the Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink program in 2005. This year-long, western-industry-wide fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research kicked off at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December of 2004. While pink is not typically associated with rough and rugged cowboys and cowgirls, this program has been a phenomenal success. The Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night has helped to raise over $20 million dollars- raised collectively by rodeos involved in the program since its inception. One of the best things about Wrangler’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink Campaign is that the money earned impacts local organizations of the rodeo’s choice. Since 2005, the California Rodeo Salinas Association has donated over $75,000 to local breast cancer causes.

The California Rodeo is revving up our Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) campaign by partnering with Salinas Valley Health. The funds generated by our joint efforts will be donated to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Salinas Valley Health.

Plans to raise money include $1 from each ticket sold being donated from the Thursday, July 20, 2023 Rodeo Performance - make sure you wear your pink shirt!

Photos by Interface Visual

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Phil Doyle

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Chrystal Amen

contestant hospitality center

Contestants travel from all over the United States to compete here in Salinas each year. We go out of our way to provide excellent hospitality to show our appreciation while they are here. They and their families are invited to eat and spend time in the Contestant Hospitality Center. The contestants all leave with an impressive Contestant Gift Bag such as a backpack, garment or laundry bag filled with a hat, tee shirt and other useful gifts. We thank the generous donors who help us welcome and acknowledge the contestants.

THANK YOU TO THE CONTESTANT HOSPITALITY CENTER DONORS!

• Driscoll’s Strawberries

• Naturipe Strawberries

• Foxy Nunes Strawberries

• Taylor Farms Vegetables

• Local Churches Homemade Cookies

• Portobello’s Breakfast

• Mansmiths BBQ Dinner

• Mia Fusion Cuisine/ Pasta Mia Dinner

• Jim Johnston Peaches

• Andrew Avilla & Son Watermelons

contestant gift bag donors

SPONSORED BY

Justin Boots

IDC - Irrigation Design & Construction

Jack in the Box

Cattaneo Brothers Jerky

The Toro Company Irrigation

The Kings Den

Duda of California

Photos by Phil Doyle

special buckaroos

The Special Buckaroos Rodeo was brought to Salinas by Past President Pete Pedrazzi. The Exceptional Rodeo, as it was called then, began as an event similar to the Special Olympics.

Professional cowboys and cowgirls were teamed up with special needs children and participated in a “makeshift” rodeo where the children became cowboys and cowgirls for the day.

Dressed in hats, t-shirts, bandanas and contestant numbers, these children roped a steer “dummy,” raced a stick horse around barrels and were “bucked” on a horse and bull (made of fur and stuffing). The highlights, however, were riding a horse and being accompanied by the heroes we know as cowboys and cowgirls.

The “Special Buckaroos Rodeo,” as it is called in Salinas today, continues all of those same events that Pete saw decades ago. The event, held on the track each Saturday of the Rodeo at noon, involves 24 special needs children from Monterey County who leave with a souvenir picture, trophy, contestant bag and a huge smile! The professional cowboys and cowgirls who come down on the track each year help to make this event the success that it continues to be. The love and caring that they share with these children provide them with memories that last a lifetime! Thank you to Tanimura & Antle for sponsoring this priceless event.

Photo by Mag One Media

the origins of the california rodeo

1700’s

The word “rodeo”comes from the Spanish word “rodear” meaning to round up. It harkens back to the Spanish ranchero days when herds of cattle were gathered in the spring for branding. This semi-annual roundup also served as a social gathering and celebration by various families who lived on enormous ranchos, some as large as 45,000 acres, where the nearest neighbors could be miles away. A rodeo could last a week or more and included barbecues, fandangos and roping and bronc riding competitions among the vaqueros.

The Monterey County Agricultural Association constructed a racetrack, grandstand, stables, bar and restaurant on 69.4 acres donated by Salinas pioneer Eugene Sherwood and San Francisco native Richard Hellman, called the Sausal Park Race Track. The donation came with the proviso that a fair and races be held at least every two years; otherwise, the property would revert to the former owners.

1875

The racetrack began being used by the Pacific Coast Trotting Horse Association. The name of the park was changed to Sherwood Park.

1909

The first bucking horse show was held at a baseball park on West Market Street on land owned by C.Z. Hebert —with the enormous sum of 25 cents being charged for admission. The show was enthusiastically received, but moved to the racetrack at Sherwood Park the following year.

1872

The Sausal Park Race Track hosted just three days of horse racing. The Monterey Fair Association was incorporated that year.

1878

Attendance at the races was on the decline and the future of the property in jeopardy due to the “fair and races” requirement every two years. A group of cattlemen called the Salinas Coyotes mulled over ideas to revive attractions. One member, Iver “Red” Cornett, came up with the thought of having bucking horses as entertainment between races and asked livestock dealer Frank J. Griffin to arrange it.

1910

1911 On Aug. 1, the first rodeo – advertised as a Wild West Show – was held at the racetrack. Since it ran for a whole week, Red Cornett called it “Big Week.” However, livestock dealer Frank Griffin, wanted to call it the California Rodeo. To this day, both names are still used!

From: California Rodeo: A Central Coast Tradition, by Burton Anderson

july 14-23

Presented by

Open daily 3pm-11pm

Admission: $5. Parking $5. Unlimited wristband $25 in advance, $35 at the gate. Get wristbands at CARODEO.com

295 Sun Way, Salinas

october 12-15 save the date

Presented by

Carnival, live music, food, drinks & more at the Salinas Sports Complex

Information coming soon at CARODEO.COM

Photo by Mag One Media

Photo by Wilson’s Photography

Photo by Mag One Media

livestock welfare

The California Rodeo Salinas is at the forefront of livestock welfare and has been proactively providing safeguards to the livestock for many years. We are proudly sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), enforcing the strongest rules employed by any rodeo association. In addition, we adhere to California State laws regarding proper treatment of livestock. The California Rodeo Salinas takes pride in going above and beyond the call to provide proper care and handling for all livestock athletes at our event.

Presently, there are more than 70 rules in place to ensure the proper care and treatment of rodeo livestock at the California Rodeo Salinas and all professional rodeos. A few key directives include:

• A veterinarian must be on-site at all PRCA sanctioned rodeos.

• PRCA judges inspect all livestock prior to competition and only healthy livestock are allowed to participate.

• No mistreatment of livestock; members found in violation may be disqualified, fined and/or suspended. This holds true in the competitive arena or anywhere on rodeo grounds.

• Sheepskin or neoprene lined flank straps are used to enhance the bucking action of horses and bulls and do not come into contact with the livestock’s genitals.

Additional information on the care afforded to the livestock athletes of rodeo can be found at www.carodeo.com and www.prorodeo.com.

Photos by Phil Doyle

get your california rodeo souvenirs 10% off your purchase over $35

Bring this coupon to the Souvenir Booth and save 10% off your purchase!

Valid Wednesday July 19 through Sunday July 23.

located at the North end of the Mid Way!

One coupon per customer per day. Original coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. May not be used for prior purchases or sale price items or combined with any other coupon, offer, sale or discount. Valid at the California Rodeo Salinas souvenir booth. No reproductions or electronic images accepted.

O U T D O O R FAC I L I T I E S

Facilities at the Salinas Sports Complex accommodate up to 17,000 people. Included are the box office, twelve concession stands, grandstands, adequate rest room facilities and staging areas. Rabobank Stadium at the Salinas Sports Complex offers a top of the line facility for your sporting needs. The complex has parking available for over 1,200 cars. The multipurpose complex is the perfect location for concerts, equestrian events, festivals and showcase events.

B AN Q U E T HA L L S

The Salinas Sports Complex has two beautiful banquet halls with capacities ranging from 160 to 600 persons, and is the perfect location for your next celebration! Whether you need a large or small banquet hall the Salinas Sports Complex can accommodate any size event in one of the two banquet halls.

Visit salinassportscomplex.com or call 831-775-3100 for more information.