Always Held the Last Weekend in April it is one of Fresno County’s Most Popular Events
It is often said The American Cowboy Tradition called “rodeo” got its start when “one ranch said they had a horse that couldn’t be rode, and another ranch said they had a cowboy that couldn’t be thrown.” For a dedicated group of volunteers, preserving the cattle ranching legacy of the region, the sport of professional rodeo, and the Clovis Way of Life is why this 5-day event has become one of the top 10 rodeos in the nation.
The annual Clovis Rodeo is always celebrated the last (full) weekend in April. The 106th Clovis Rodeo will take place
April 21-25, 2020. There are also a lot of events throughout the month of April where fans can participate. Those include a local Jackpot Roping, the Clovis Ranch Rodeo competition, a parade and the John W. Jones Memorial Steer Wrestling. Guests are encouraged to visit www.clovisrodeo.com for the latest news and calendar of events.
Professional Bull Riding, two great concerts with some of Country Music’s rising stars along with four days of Professional Rodeo Cowboy action and lots of great food and more entertainment make-up this annual weeklong event. It is a week (and more) of full throttle action that includes both timed and roughstock rodeo events.
In the roughstock rodeo events that include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding; a contestant’s score is equally dependent upon his performance and the bull or bucking horse’s performance. To earn a qualified ride a cowboy must stay on for 8-seconds. In timed events such as steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing, cowboys and cowgirls at the other end of the arena compete against the clock for the best time.
The Rodeo Association understands that it is Clovis’ rich and meaningful history that sets the community apart. Rodeo volunteers believe that remembering your roots, and what it took to get here, helps them have a deeper appreciation for the days ahead. The rodeo, to this day, remains a time for friends, family and neighbors to come together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company.
The all-volunteer, not-for-profit Clovis Rodeo Association (CRA) has about 700 dedicated members. More than $300,000 in proceeds from the Clovis Rodeo and related events coordinated
by CRA benefit numerous local charities annually, including 4-H, FFA, Clovis Unified School District, Marjorie E. Radin Breast Cancer Center, Clovis Community Medical Center, Fresno State Rodeo Team, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Valley Children’s Healthcare, Break the Barriers, Boy Scouts of America, and the Central California Blood Center.
Always held the last weekend in April the small festival that was started more than 100 years ago is now a professional sporting event that attracts champion cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the world to compete on some of the best livestock in rodeo. It takes more than 50,000 fans, almost 800 cowboys and cowgirls and 350 elite stock animals along with 8,000 pounds of tri-tip and a year of planning to pull off the community event. The rodeo generates more than $12 million in economic impact for the City of Clovis and surrounding region.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $35.00 and can be purchased online by visiting www.clovisrodeo.com from January through April. The rodeo grounds are located on Clovis Avenue between Bullard and Shaw in the heart of downtown Clovis. It is an easy walk from any of the many hotels in the community. Parking at the rodeo grounds is free of charge.
We hope you’ll dust off your hat and boots and join us for the Clovis Rodeo. Didn’t bring your boots, don’t worry, you can purchase any of the items you might need from the local merchants throughout the community who help make this annual event possible. Visit clovisrodeo.com for event details, additional information and a calendar of rodeo activities in Clovis, California.