Message from the President | I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and is ready to kick off 2026. As we say farewell to another remarkable year, we reflect with pride on the many successful events hosted by the California Rodeo Association throughout 2025. | From the 115th California Rodeo Salinas to our Big Week Bull Riding event, the Kiddie Kapers Parade, Monster Truck Throwdown, Cowboy Poetry, Country Christmas, community celebrations, youth programs, and carnival festivities, this past year was filled with unforgettable moments that brought our community together. We were proud to once again host the Big Week Kick Off Concert and, even if it was a few weeks early, and to support a July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, welcoming thousands of families to the Salinas Sports Complex for an evening of celebration and patriotism. None of these events would be possible without the dedication of our more than 1,400 volunteers. From early mornings to late nights, before, during, and long after the final performance, their efforts ensure that our guests, contestants, sponsors, and community experience something truly special. Their commitment, passion, and countless hours of service remain the foundation of our success. I am so proud of our Rodeo Association’s new commemorative poster that debuted in October at our annual stockholders’ meeting. As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this year, the 2026 commemorative poster captures a powerful moment: retired Sergeant First Class James “Guido” Davis parachuting into our arena from 5,000 feet above, carrying a massive American flag — a dramatic and heartfelt tribute to rodeo’s deep-rooted patriotism. As we move into 2026, I am extremely excited for all that the California Rodeo has to offer and I hope you will join us! Let's Saddle Up!
Bob Eggers President 2026-2027 | Miranda Lambert will headline the Big Week Kick Off Concert on JULY 11th! | Get your tickets this Thursday, February 12th at 10 am at carodeo.com. Click the photo for more details. | Good food, great cause: Golden Circle of Champions Barbecue Fundraiser | Now Accepting Scholarship Applications | Scholarships are available to California Rodeo Salinas Committee Members and their immediate family members. Six $5,000 scholarships will be awarded. Applications are due by March 16th. | CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO READ MORE & APPLY 2025 Recipients Pictured. Photo by Mag One Media. L-R: Kelly McCarthy Sutherland, Chairman of the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship Committee, Lucas Milburn, Laura Hodges, Noelani Amador, Noemi Martinez, Ayden Perez, and Alexandria Perez. | Round up your friends for the Clem Albertoni Cowboy Gathering | Click on the photo to read more about the event. | Celebrate 2026 with a Commemorative Rodeo Poster | The California Rodeo Salinas has proudly unveiled its 2026 commemorative poster, a striking tribute to patriotism and tradition. This year’s design features Retired Sergeant First Class James “Guido” Davis parachuting the American flag into the arena from 5,000 feet above—a moment that has become a beloved highlight of the Rodeo. The image was crafted using two photographs by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Photographer Fernando Sam-Sin and stylized by graphic designer Tracy Hopper. Guido Davis, a 20-year Army veteran and former Green Beret, will celebrate his 11th year participating in the California Rodeo Salinas in 2026. With over 3,000 jumps to his name, his dedication and service continue to inspire fans and participants alike. California Rodeo Salinas President Bob Eggers, himself a veteran, shared his thoughts on the new poster: “There’s something deeply moving about seeing the American flag descend into the arena—it reminds us of the values that rodeo and our country share: grit, honor, and freedom. As a veteran, it fills me with pride to see how patriotic this sport truly is.” The commemorative posters will be sold for $20 at the California Rodeo Office located at 1034 N. Main Street in Salinas, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed Fridays from 11:45 AM–1:15 PM). Posters are also available for purchase online at https://www.carodeo.com/p/about-us/store. | Mark Your Calendar for the MONSTER TRUCK THROWDOWN on June 14 | More information coming soon! | Trail Writings from Miss California Rodeo Salinas | Can you believe it has already been over six months since the California Rodeo? I sure can’t, and I would prefer it if time slowed down. Before we know it, we’ll be celebrating the crowning of the next Miss California Rodeo Salinas. But for now and until then, we shall cherish the memories that have been made and will be made. Since the last newsletter, there has been so much that has happened and now I am excited to share all the stories with you. One of my favorite things about being a rodeo queen is getting the chance to support and promote the sport of rodeo. And at the beginning of October, I had the chance to support the return of rodeo to the Big Fresno Fair. It has been about 30 years since the last time spectators got to feel the thrill of watching the bucking broncs and bulls on the same dirt where locals have watched race horses run for the past 120 years. Let’s hope that this new event becomes a tradition for years to come. Now of course I couldn’t go through October without heading to the historic Cow Palace for the Grand National Rodeo. Living in California, you don’t get to see too many indoor rodeos which is exactly what makes this one so memorable. The arena will be pitch black as their drill team rides covered in colorful lights through their pattern. However, my favorite part is helping out with their donations collection for the Golden Circle of Champions. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t holding back some tears as spectators generously donated what cash they had. And finally, for the month of October, I made the trip back to Salinas for the Stockholder’s Meeting where I could witness more of what I love about the Rodeo and all their accomplishments, future and past. I absolutely loved being able to watch our now former President Steve Davis pass on the title and honor to President Bob Eggers and also getting to reveal the poster for the 2026 rodeo honoring someone who has been a part of the rodeo for many years. In November, I made the trip down to San Luis Obispo to cheer as our former Miss California Rodeo Salinas girls Emily Cullins and Kelsee French made the run for the title of Miss Rodeo California. They shined so beautifully in every part of the contest. While they may not have come home with the title, they surely made Salinas proud. However, Emily Cullins did come home with the title of Miss Rodeo Alaska and I am beyond excited to watch her journey over the next year. The following week, I got to ride along with the Marine Corp League detachment 014 in the Fresno Veterans Day Parade. Honoring Veterans has always been a major tradition in the Central Valley, but I was in awe over how many people attended this parade along with the news coverage it received. As the holiday season started to roll us into December, I spent a cold early morning once again with the Marine Corp League helping collect donations for their annual Toys For Tots drive. I could only be there for a few hours this year, but in the few short hours I was there we had close to 1000 toys donated. And that was only the first day! Now for New Years, there’s no better way to spend it than at the PRCA California Circuit Finals up in Red Bluff. Three thrilling days of watching the top competitors in the circuit compete for the title of Circuit Champion. California Circuit Finals is also where the official passing of the crown happens for Miss Rodeo California meaning I got to spend lots of time with Miss Rodeo California 2025 Janae Wallace and got to know Miss Rodeo California 2026 Sujhey Rosas. Both ladies are wonderful women to spend time with. Now looking to the next few months, I am preparing for the spring season as rodeos pick back up. I plan to attend the King City Stampede, Oakdale Rodeo, Ag Day at the Capital, Clovis Rodeo, Rowell Ranch Rodeo, Santa Maria Rodeo, Livermore Rodeo, and many other events within the community. I am so incredibly excited to continue to share these moments with you all and hope to see you all along the way. If you do see me, let’s catch up and snag a photo! Yours truly, Rachel Lancaster Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2025
| Monterey Bay Football Club is going Western on June 20th | Stay tuned for more information about the rodeo-themed night at the soccer field Saturday, June 20th. |  You are receiving this email because you signed up with California Rodeo Salinas 1034 N. Main Street, Salinas, CA 93906 Want to stop receiving messages from California Rodeo Salinas? Unsubscribe | | |
