The historic Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is back for its 68th go-round, promising an old-fashioned “Western Weekend” for the whole family June 2 to 5.
This year’s four-day extravaganza kicks off with Dave Osburn Memorial Pro Bull Riding on “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night, June 2 at 7 p.m. The first two Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo performances take place June 3 and 4, beginning at 7 p.m., with a third performance to finish out the weekend on June 5 at 2 p.m.
Each three-hour performance features six adrenaline-inducing events, including bull and bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racing, local team roping, and Mutton Bustin’ for the kids. Top rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, and some of the sport’s best bull riders, barrelmen, and stock contractors will all be on hand.
Cotton Rosser will be bringing back his Flying U Rodeo Co. and “Born to Buck” program to excite the crowds, along with John Payne, the “One Arm Bandit” and 10-time PRCA Specialty Rodeo Performer of the Year. New for 2011 is a VIP suite section on the arena fence with an up-close view of the action, as well as food and beverages.
In addition to the rodeo events, the 2011 Elks Rodeo Parade will run down Broadway on June 4, starting at 9 a.m.
The festivities take place at the Elks Unocal Event Center, 1309 N. Bradley Road in Santa Maria. Tickets cost $15 for each daily performance and can be purchased at local Albertson’s supermarkets, over the phone at 922-6006, or online at santamariarodeo.com.
For more information, call 925-4125.
This article appears in Jun 2-9, 2011.