By Christy Milan
COTTONWOOD: May 13-14, 2017 • cottonwoodchamberofcommerce.com
Cowboys and cowgirls will blaze a trail to Cottonwood California to celebrate the 55th annual Cottonwood Rodeo. Held annually every year on Mother’s Day weekend, the residents of Cottonwood celebrate the cowboy & (cowgirl) with various activities. The kick off BBQ to start the rodeo week takes place with plenty of tasty cowboy BBQ. Other events include Ladies Nite Out, on Wednesday, the Friday evening Kiddie Parade, Saturday main rodeo parade and the main event, the rodeo on both days. This year the theme for the Saturday parade is Ridin’, Ropin’ & Ranchin’. If you are looking for a real hometown rodeo, this is it. Founded in 1963, the Cottonwood rodeo is just one of several California Rodeo’s that exemplifies our Wild West roots.
RED BLUFF: April 21-23, 2017 • redbluffroundup.com
Saddle up and gallop off to Red Bluff for the largest three day rodeo in the country. This is the 96th year for this Norcal event. The Red Bluff Round-Up is sanctioned by the PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association) and draws 600 top competitors, each vying for prize money over 250,000. Wayne Brooks and Bob Tallman will be announcing this year, known as the best announcers in the business. Sponsors include Sierra Central Credit Union, Redding Distribution Company, PJ Helicopters, Dignity Health and many others to make this rodeo come to life. The action includes events such as Bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton busting, wild pony races, bareback, saddle bronc and steer wrestling. You will find something for all ages and interests. Even the Clydesdales will be attending the festivities.
Along with rodeo activities there is a car show, chili cook-off, kiddie parade, live entertainment, souvenir booths and food vendor’s downtown. During the week the community holds several events adding to the festivities. Northern Heat will be in concert at the Friday Night After Party and provide a mix of styles and sounds from the 50’s to the present. Enjoy the bowling tournament, the foot race, pancake breakfast, street dance, antique show, dances and even a golf tournament. Red Bluff takes great pride in the rodeo and its history. The community welcomes you to enjoy the history and hospitality of their town.
Redding May 17-20, 2017 • Reddingrodeo.com
Stomping and kicking its way into the valley is the Redding Rodeo. This is the 69th annual rodeo and includes entertainment from the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls. These girls are trick riders and have performed in all parts of the world. The rodeo week starts off with a kick-off steak feed and dance. Of course, the rodeo fun consists of bull riding, mutton bustin, barrel racing and everything else rodeo. This year Wayne Brooks and Will Rasmussen will be the announcers. No rodeo is complete without bull fighters and rodeo clowns. Crash Cooper will once again be in the arena clowning around while bullfighters Eric Layton and Tim O’Connor take on the bulls. Other great activities are scheduled during the week to help celebrate Redding’s Rodeo.
Western Heritage Day is a program that began in 2007. It brings in local elementary children to teach them about rodeo and life in the west. They visit the cowboys and cowgirls and learn about taking care of horses and other animals.
Another program is the Special Kid day, started over 50 years ago. This day celebrates physically and mentally challenged children. Here they get help from the Asphalt Cowboys and others to enjoy horseback riding, rides and clowns.
Redding Rodeo Association Sponsors and Wrangler Tough Enough To Wear Pink, promote a Think Pink Night to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Society in Redding. It is a night to get your pink on and help others.
Sponsors for the rodeo include Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic, Dignity Health, Sierra Central Credit Union and Shasta.com. During the week, a scholarship for a local graduating high school senior will be awarded.
The Asphalt Cowboys cook up a cowboy and cowgirl breakfast for the annual pancake breakfast. Come on out for a sweet tasty way to begin the day and watch the action at the 69th Redding Rodeo.
