July 29, 2025

California Rodeo Salinas Concludes Its 115th Year Celebrations

News Summary

The California Rodeo Salinas wrapped up its 115th year with an attendance of about 68,000 over five days. While ticket price increases prompted a slight decline in visitors, the event still showcased popular competitions and local businesses. Highlights included the PRCA Gold Card Team Roping event and community-focused features, such as a Special Buckaroos Rodeo for children with special needs. The rodeo also donated nearly $800,000 to local nonprofits, emphasizing its commitment to the community. Plans are already in motion for the 2025 rodeo, set for July 17-20.

California – The California Rodeo Salinas concluded today, marking the end of its 115th year, a longstanding tradition in the region that attracts visitors and locals alike. This year’s event saw attendance of approximately 68,000 people over the span of five days, a slight decrease from the previous year, possibly attributed to higher ticket prices—this is the first increase in prices since 2012. Despite this, several popular events, such as the Extreme Bulls competition and Friday night’s rodeo, sold out, showcasing the draw of the rodeo in the community.

Local businesses reported varied impacts from the event. For example, Dubbers, a local bar and restaurant, experienced a noticeable drop in foot traffic. Employees suggested that extending their tent hours could potentially increase business during the nighttime hours when events were taking place. Conversely, Villa Azteca, a local eatery, reported high customer volumes throughout the weekend and expressed appreciation for the community’s support during the rodeo.

As part of the rodeo’s offerings this year, living legends Jake Barnes and Clay Cooper achieved victory in the PRCA Gold Card Team Roping event. Their success adds to their long histories of participation in this iconic rodeo. Salinas hosts a range of rodeo traditions that include a distinctive scoring system with a 40-foot-long scoreline utilized in roping competitions.

Additional attractions featured in the rodeo included a parade, cowboy poetry performances, and a Special Buckaroos Rodeo designed for children with special needs. This inclusive aspect highlights the community-focused nature of the rodeo, which is rooted in local culture since its establishment in 1911. The rodeo is heavily supported by local agricultural businesses, further intertwining it with the area’s economy.

Among significant activities this year were the Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon and a Forever Royal Reunion, both celebrating the rodeo’s legacy and community. The rodeo management also implemented new logistical features this year, such as free off-site parking and shuttle services to enhance guest experiences and manage attendance.

The California Rodeo Salinas is not just an entertainment event; it also actively contributes to the community. This year, the organization donated nearly $800,000 to local nonprofits and awarded $30,000 in scholarships to students in the area, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the local community.

In terms of entertainment, the event showcased multiple activities beyond the traditional rodeo events. A carnival and wine tasting were among the new features added to enrich the overall experience for attendees. As anticipation builds for the next iteration of this celebrated event, plans for the 2025 rodeo are already underway, with dates set for July 17-20, coinciding with its 115th anniversary.

With a history deeply embedded in Salinas and a rich legacy of rodeo culture, organizers and participants alike hope to lift the current 100-team limit on participants to make future rodeos even more spectacular. The unique atmosphere of Salinas during this time remains a mainstay, promising to retain its charm and allure for many years to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: Anaheim Staff Writer

Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.