Santa Maria Elks Rodeo returns this week with 4 days of fun. Here’s what’s in store
For the second time in nine months, the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center has come alive for a rodeo.
After skipping the 2020 event and delaying the 2021 rodeo to Labor Day weekend because of public health concerns, the 79th version of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo returns to its early June spot with the traditional four days of action, starting Thursday.
On Wednesday afternoon, vendors worked to set up food and other booths along the midway at the rodeo grounds while competitors’ horses settled into temporary homes for the weekend.
“I think this community is super excited to get back to a normal rodeo weekend,” rodeo spokeswoman Johnna Clark said.
The fact that the last rodeo occurred nine months ago helped the team prepping for the 2022 rodeo, Clark said.
“Our presale tickets are stronger than they’ve ever been,” Clark said. “I think we’re anticipating a full weekend, for sure.”
The Cowboy Channel will be on hand all four days.
“That’s the first time in history for us, so that’s bringing a lot of attention,” she said.
Since the June rodeo falls at the beginning of the competition season, the Santa Maria rodeo has drawn a large number of athletes compared with September as they ride to earn points to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo.
“Everybody’s hungry, everybody’s fighting for it.” Clark said.
Thursday and Friday performances will start at 7 p.m., but the fun begins earlier with pre-rodeo concerts and other activities. The gates open two hours before arena action begins.
Friday night’s performance also will include the crowning of the 2022 Elks Rodeo queen from a field of three candidates who have been raising funds for weeks. The candidates and their sponsors are Rylie Halsell for St. Joseph High School, Ashley Palin for Northern Santa Barbara County United Way and Primavera Rosales for the Guadalupe Kiwanis Club. The top fundraiser will replace 2021 Rodeo Queen Avery Nelson.
Through the years, the queen contestants and their sponsors have raised $15 million for youth recreation and other programs.
The queen and her court will make their first official appearance when the rodeo parade with about 100 entries will travel south on Broadway between Mill Street and Enos Drive, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The theme this year is “United We Stand.” Awards will be given in six categories.
Terri Stricklin will ride in a place of honor as the parade grand marshal, recognizing her longtime role in the family business, Hitching Post, known for its “Old West Hospitality” with restaurants in Casmalia and Buellton.
The action in the arena starts at 6 p.m. Saturday while the final round will kick off at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Entertainment involving a live band will take place after each rodeo performance Thursday, Friday and Saturday with mariachis and margaritas planned following Sunday’s performance.
Tickets, which can be purchased at the gate or online, cost $20 for adults or $12 for people age 62 or older plus youths ages 3 to 12.
For the schedule, tickets and more information, go to the Elks Rec website at elksrec.com.
This story was originally published June 2, 2022 at 12:49 PM.