California Rodeo Salinas

Notable Events

1. 1872The Monterey County Agricultural Association built a race track, grandstand, stables, bar, and restaurant on donated city property. carodeo.com
2. 1875The park hosted horse racing and the Monterey Fair Association was incorporated. mchsmuseum.com
3. 1878The name of the park was changed to Sherwood Park. mchsmuseum.com
4. 1901The California Rodeo was beginning to take shape as a Salinas tradition. mchsmuseum.com
5. 1909Declining race attendance put the property's conditional gift in jeopardy. mchsmuseum.com
6. 1910sThe event became known as California Rodeo two years later in the timeline's account. carodeo.com
7. 1910The first show was held on C.Z. Hebert's West Market Street land, charging admission. mchsmuseum.com
8. 1911The week-long Wild West Show was held at Sherwood Race Track grounds and called Big Week. carodeo.com
9. 1911James R. Hebbron led the first Main Street horse parade and continued leading it for decades. mchsmuseum.com
10. 1912The rodeo hosted 4,000 people and mostly local cowboys and cowgirls riding bucking horses. carodeo.com
11. 1912Cowgirls were included for the first time in a cowgirls' bucking-horse contest. mchsmuseum.com
12. 1912Stahl rode the previously unridden Glass Eye and then Tar Baby backwards, highlights of the show. mchsmuseum.com
13. 1913The night parade was formalized as El Colmado del Rodeo, sometimes called Colmo. mchsmuseum.com
14. 1913Trotting races were gone; leaders moved to legitimize the event, elected Frank Griffen President and Rodeo Boss, and expanded the program. mchsmuseum.com
15. 1914The rodeo was incorporated under the name California Rodeo. mchsmuseum.com
16. 1915The city council took up cattle drives through city streets; the author says obviously some settlement was reached. mchsmuseum.com
17. 1915The rodeo was canceled because of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. mchsmuseum.com
18. 1920sThe California Rodeo found a permanent home at Sherwood Park. carodeo.com
19. 1921The parade's theme was Prohibition; the author suspects it was the first ever dry parade. mchsmuseum.com
20. 1922A former clown who began in the arena later became official announcer. mchsmuseum.com
21. 1923California Rodeo gave the city funds to obtain a Quit Claim Deed from the Sherwood heirs. mchsmuseum.com
22. 1924A new grandstand, race track, barns and bucking chutes were constructed. carodeo.com
23. 1924The rodeo was canceled due to Hoof and Mouth disease, leaving the new stands empty. mchsmuseum.com
24. 1924With title cleared, the rodeo was reincorporated as California Rodeo, Inc. and a municipal bond issue passed. mchsmuseum.com
25. 1926Local service clubs sponsored the contest won by Miss Bernice Donahue. mchsmuseum.com
26. 1928Former rodeo clown Abe Lefcowitz, shortened to Abe Lefton, served as announcer. mchsmuseum.com
27. 1929The Queen contest evolved into Sweetheart of the Rodeo. mchsmuseum.com
28. 1929Local cowboys began to be outnumbered by professionals, while the horse parade remained mostly local cowboys and cowgirls. mchsmuseum.com
29. 1930sThe Big Hat Bar-B-Q and Kiddie Kapers Parade began. carodeo.com
30. 1930sBrahma bulls were used for the first time in bull riding. carodeo.com
31. 1930Will Rogers and Gene Autry visited; Autry was shooting scenes for a movie. carodeo.com
32. 1935With WPA help, the grandstand was enlarged. mchsmuseum.com
33. 1938A crowd of 50,000 attended the four-day event, and the horse parade counted nearly 1,000 horses and riders. mchsmuseum.com
34. 1939Brahman bulls were used for the first time in the bull riding contest. mchsmuseum.com
35. 1939Cavalry and field artillery demonstrated in the arena; artillery caissons locked wheels during a maneuver. mchsmuseum.com
36. 1940sEdith Happy first appeared as a trick rider and returned annually until 1962. carodeo.com
37. 19423,586 Monterey Bay Area residents of Japanese ancestry, most of whom were American citizens, were temporarily confined in the Salinas Rodeo Grounds. hmdb.org
38. 1944Rodeo revenue paid off the bond without cost to the city. mchsmuseum.com
39. 1947Wild cow milking, wild horse races and trick riders were introduced on the track. carodeo.com
40. 1947The Rodeo deeded 30 acres east of the grounds to the City. mchsmuseum.com
41. 1950sPG&E employees built a timer clock used at the rodeo until 1989. montereyherald.com
42. 1953Chuck Wagon Races ran on the track. carodeo.com
43. 1960sCowgirl Barrel Racing and the first Pageant of Flags debuted. carodeo.com
44. 1960sAmanda Blake, Miss Kitty on Gun Smoke, visited and donated a replica of its Long Branch Saloon. carodeo.com
45. 1967Local cowboy John Rodriquez won the All Around Cowboy Title. carodeo.com
46. 1970sDriving steers down Main Street was revived during the daily parade. carodeo.com
47. 1970sLongtime Rodeo clown Wilbur Plaugher retired. carodeo.com
48. 1970sWrangler Bull Fights, individual Calf Dressing and the Mare and Foal Race were added. carodeo.com
49. 1970Public Recreation Unlimited was founded to raise funds for capital improvements to recreational property in Sherwood Park. carodeo.com
50. 1972The Rodeo purchased land northeast of Sherwood Drive and deeded it to the city for recreation facilities. mchsmuseum.com
51. 1979The committee formed and was aided by a gift of an authentic Wells Fargo stagecoach and a building to house it. carodeo.com
52. 1980sThe Special Buckaroo Rodeo, also called Exceptional Rodeo, began; team penning moved to the track. carodeo.com
53. 1980The Historical Museum was added, bucking chutes replaced and Albert Hansen Pavilion constructed. carodeo.com
54. 1983The museum moved from Sherwood Hall to its present location. montereyherald.com
55. 1984The State Department of Parks and Recreation, Japanese American Citizens League and City of Salinas erected the marker. hmdb.org
56. 1985Colmo was eliminated, then briefly revived and discontinued again. mchsmuseum.com
57. 1988The last Colmo del Rodeo Parade was held. carodeo.com
58. 1989The timer clock built by PG&E employees was in use until 1989. montereyherald.com
59. 1990New grandstands more than doubled seating capacity; a new Long Branch Saloon was added and Chuck Wagon races returned. carodeo.com
60. 1990sA PRCA rule change excluded locals without PRCA cards from participating. carodeo.com
61. 1990sA Professional Bull Riding event was held for the first time on the Wednesday before the Rodeo. carodeo.com
62. 1994All California Rodeo contestants had to be members of the PCRA, as this page spells it. mchsmuseum.com
63. 1996The wooden grandstand was condemned; the Association chose to rebuild and raise funds for a year-round facility. carodeo.com
64. 1996The new facility was operating within a year of tearing down the old grandstands. carodeo.com
65. 1996The old grandstand and most existing infrastructure were demolished after the July show for a planned $8.5 million multi-use sports complex. mchsmuseum.com
66. 2000sThe California Rodeo was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. carodeo.com
67. 2000sA replay screen brought action closer to the crowd, and the Bull Crossing tent introduced live music, a bar and a mechanical bull. carodeo.com
68. 2008The event was enshrined by the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs. montereycountynow.com
69. 2010The Centennial Celebration featured an enlarged Grand Entry, and the rodeo held its first Hall of Fame inductions. carodeo.com
70. 2010The Centennial Celebration included a giant boot with a horse and rider emerging from the top carrying the American Flag. carodeo.com
71. 2013Motorcycle jumpers entertained on the track and returned in the following years. carodeo.com
72. 2014A wall was erected to honor Hall of Fame inductees. carodeo.com
73. 2020The rodeo was canceled for the first time since World War II because of the COVID-19 pandemic. carodeo.com
74. 2021The rodeo took place in September rather than its traditional July dates for community safety. carodeo.com
75. 2025The California Rodeo Salinas celebrated its 115th anniversary. carodeo.com

People

• Albert Hansen, Name carried by the Albert Hansen Pavilion at the rodeo complex.
• Amanda Blake, Miss Kitty from Gun Smoke; visited and donated a replica of the Long Branch Saloon.
• Bernice Donahue, First Rodeo Queen.
• Blake Shelton, Kick Off Concert performer.
• Brad Paisley, Kick Off Concert performer.
• Clint Eastwood, Celebrity attracted to California Rodeo Salinas.
• Edith Happy, Legendary trick rider and stuntwoman discussed in the Rodeo archival interviews.
• Gene Autry, Celebrity attracted to California Rodeo Salinas.
• Gene Rambo, Local cowboy who, with Jim Rodriquez, Jr., was first to win the Team Roping World Championship at the National Finals Rodeo.
• Jesse Stahl, Black bronc rider whose Glass Eye photograph and saddle are displayed (1879-1935).
• Jim Rodriquez, Jr., Won the All Around Cowboy Title after his brother John (1968).
• John Rodriquez, Local cowboy who won the All Around Cowboy Title (1967).
• Kid Rock, Kick Off Concert performer.
• Lola Gali, San Benito County cowgirl who carried the American flag in the horse parade.
• Richard Boone, Celebrity guest associated with Have Gun Will Travel.
• Tim McGraw, Kick Off Concert performer.
• Wilbur Plaugher, Longtime Rodeo clown who retired.
• Will Rogers, Celebrity attracted to California Rodeo Salinas.
• Mike Storm, Name carried by the Mike Storm Director's Patio at the Salinas Sports Complex.
• Barbara Breen, First museum co-chair with Marge Behen.
• Marge Behen, First museum co-chair with Barbara Breen.
• Patrick J. Sherwood, Donor whose contributions helped complete the Stage Coach Room and children's interactive learning activities.
• Benny Jefferson, Director of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Brent Eastman, Director of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Craig Andrus, Vice President of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Daryl Whitcher, Director of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Greg Chilton, Secretary of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Jaime Nolan, Treasurer of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Jim Slaten, Director of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Susan Merrill, Director of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Warren Wayland, President of Public Recreation Unlimited.
• Bonnie Happy, Interviewed with Pat and Marguerite for the Rodeo archival project (July 9, 2021).
• Marguerite Happy, Interviewed with Pat and Bonnie for the Rodeo archival project (July 9, 2021).
• Pat North Ommert, Interviewed for the Rodeo archival project (July 1, 2021 and July 9, 2021).
• Polly Burson, Legendary trick rider and stuntwoman discussed in the Rodeo archival interviews.
• “Sunny” Jim Rolph, Mayor of San Francisco who attended the show as a guest.
• A.J. Zabala, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Abe Lefton, Abe Lefcowitz shortened his name to Abe Lefton and served as announcer (1928 until 1950).
• Arthur Hebbron, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Betty Lewis, Early rodeo star.
• C.Z. Hebert, Owned the West Market Street land used for the first show (1910).
• E.J. Redmond, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Ed Bordieu, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Eugene Sherwood, Donated land for the predecessor race track with Richard Hellman (1872).
• Frank J. Griffen, Elected President and Rodeo Boss; held the position until 1934 (1913 to 1934).
• H.E. Abbott, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• H.W. Lynch, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Homer Holcomb, Clown who teamed with announcer Abe Lefton.
• Iver “Red” Cornett, Proposed bucking horses between races and asked Frank J. Griffen to arrange it.
• James E. Breen, Rodeo founder who performed coleado at the first Wild West Show (1911).
• James R. Hebbron, Led every Main Street horse parade from its beginning until his 97th birthday (1911 to 1936).
• Jesse D. Carr, Member of the race-track association.
• Jim Bardin Sr., Led the informal closing-night parade, dressed as King Spud in tribute to the locally important Burbank potato.
• John Bryan, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Julius Trescony, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Ki Silacci, Arena director who supervised construction of bucking chutes (40 years as arena director).
• Lawrence “Butch” Beevers, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Mayor Jimmy Walker, Distinguished guest and subject of an Abe Lefton joke (1928).
• Miss Bernice Donahue, Won the first service-club Queen of the Rodeo contest (1926).
• Mrs. Emma Stirling, Former owner of land the Rodeo deeded to the city.
• P.E. Zabala, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Richard Hellman, Donated land for the predecessor race track with Eugene Sherwood (1872).
• Sam Matthews, Pioneer of the Salinas Rodeo.
• Ty Stokes, Black cowboy who rode seated back to back with Jesse Stahl in a suicide ride.
• Wes Eade, Supplied Shorthorn range bulls from his San Lucas ranch for early bull-riding competitions.
• Anne Bramers, Chair of the Heritage Museum.
• Brad Zittlow, Visitor pictured looking at the museum's saddles and cowboy gear.
• David Peebles, Bareback competitor pictured at California Rodeo Salinas.
• Dee Dee Garcia, Henry Garcia's daughter and museum volunteer.
• Gerry Wade, Museum docent who recounted the stagecoach accident.
• Henry Garcia, Salinas saddlemaker whose saddles are displayed.
• Jenssy Torres, Mutton-busting competitor pictured at California Rodeo Salinas.
• Jo Mora, Artist whose history-of-the-cowboy poster is exhibited.
• Kenny Haworth, Bareback competitor pictured at California Rodeo Salinas.
• Less, Henry Garcia's brother who took over their father's saddlemaking shop with Henry.
• Louis Ortega, Famous braider whose rawhide work is displayed (1897-1995).
• Monty Montana, Film star and longtime rodeo entertainer whose outfit is exhibited (1910-1998).
• Nic Lica, Bull-riding competitor pictured at California Rodeo Salinas.
• Tina McCash, Visitor pictured looking at the museum's saddles and cowboy gear.
• Tom Henderson, Bull-riding competitor pictured at California Rodeo Salinas.

Sources

1. salinas.gov/Events/Rodeo
2. carodeo.com/press.aspx
3. carodeo.com/p/ssc/plan-your-visit
4. carodeo.com/p/ssc/book-the-ssc
5. instagram.com/carodeosalinas
6. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Rodeo_Salinas
7. carodeo.com/p/ssc
8. carodeo.com/events
9. carodeo.com/events/special-events
10. carodeo.com/events/2026/california-rodeo-salinas2026
11. carodeo.com
12. carodeo.com/p/about-us/history
13. carodeo.com/p/about-us/history/heritagemuseum
14. montereyherald.com/2017/07/22/california-rodeo-salinas-past-on-display-at-museum
15. montereycountynow.com/svnow/news/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame-honors-the-california-rodeo-salinas-with-legacy-award/article_d54a85cc-ff77-4e5a-836f-8858bfabda6a.html
16. mchsmuseum.com/local-history/american-era-settlement/a-short-history-of-salinas-california
17. ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21441
18. hmdb.org/m.asp?m=165487
19. digitalcommons.csumb.edu/ca-rodeo-salinas
20. mchsmuseum.com/local-history/american-era-growth-and-development/the-california-rodeo-a-central-coast-tradition
21. carodeo.com/p/ssc/about-us
22. carodeo.com/p/about-us/history/halloffame
23. nationalcowboymuseum.org/collections/awards/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame/inductees/california-rodeo-salinas