Thousands flock to the Clovis Rodeo Grounds each year to partake in the festivities and cheer on their favorite competitors. The concerts, food, events and even the dirt attract visitors to the Clovis Rodeo each year. Taking place annually during the last weekend of April, it is held at the Clovis Fairgrounds, April 27-29.

The Clovis Rodeo is a local tradition that has been occurring for 104 years as of this year’s rodeo. The event averages around 45,000 visitors each year and offers a yearly assortment of vendors, food and events. Big-name competitors travel from all over the country and aim to bring home a part of the generous pot.

For many people, the rodeo is a yearly tradition. Natalie Arndt, ’21, looks forward to attending the rodeo for her fourth time, watching her favorite events and seeing all the horses.

“This is my fourth time,” Arndt said. “I really like the barrel racing and probably the broncs. I’ve always wanted to barrel race and I know people that barrel race so I think it’s pretty to cool to watch the professionals. We go to the concerts and I really them because it’s always fun. I just like going and seeing all the different horses, because I don’t get that experience at home.”

The rodeo is put on by over 700 volunteers and an elected board of directors. The Clovis Rodeo is one of the oldest in the nation. The purpose of the rodeo each year is to celebrate western heritage. Over $200,000 of profit, each year is donated to a multitude of local charities, ranging from hospitals to 4-H clubs.

Alfreda Sebasto, who helps put on the Rodeo, believes the rodeo is a unifying event and that it will make you want to return each year.

“We always see top bucking stock and world champion, cowboys and cowgirls,” Sebasto said. “Fans will be entertained by PBR entertainer Flint Rasmussen, rodeo funnyman JJ Harrison, and PRCA Specialty Act of the Year, trick roper Tomas Garcilazo. The event brings people together to celebrate their community.  Whether you are a seasoned fan or this is your first Clovis Rodeo we bet you’ll be back next year!”

The Clovis Rodeo will host a PBR (Professional Bull Riding) competition and following that, country singer Chris Janson will perform for rodeo goers, April 26. The following evening, country performer Cam will sing prior the PRCA Gold Tour Pro Rodeo competition, April 27. The rodeo competition will continue, April 28-29. Those interested can still buy tickets for certain days and events of the rodeo online or from the ticket office at the rodeo grounds. Prices range from $10 for some events to $35 for others.

Each year many first timers go to the rodeo to take in the sights. Steven Hayes, ‘20, will be attending his first rodeo this year. 

“The thing I am most excited about for the rodeo will probably be all the food,” Hayes said. “I hope to see a bunch of smiles and everyone having a good time, laughter and joy bring out the best features in a person. My expectations for the rodeo are meeting new people and just having a good time.”

Debbie Tweedy is an associate director. She serves as a secretary, helps put on the Rodeo Queen competition and puts together a flag team to represent the sponsors for the opening ceremonies each year.

“I currently serve as an Associate Director for the Clovis Rodeo,” Tweedy said. “In that role, I am the Secretary of the Clovis Ranch Rodeo, I assist with the Rodeo Queen competition as well as put together a team that performs the opening ceremonies of each rodeo performance. The team carries all of the event sponsor’s flags during each rodeo performance before their respective events. It is an overwhelming feeling to be able to present the flags at each rodeo performance. When I first step into the arena with the American Flag representing our Country or a sponsor’s flag representing the outpouring of support provided to our rodeo and our community, it is a feeling of tremendous responsibility.”

Tweedy believes the best part of the rodeo is the fans and that the community comes together to celebrate the Western heritage.

“In my opinion, the best part of the Rodeo is the fans,” Tweedy said. “I have been involved with this Rodeo for a long time and each and every year I come across a family who has lived in Clovis their whole life and never knew about the rodeo. After talking with them for a while, explaining what it is all about, and inviting them and their family out to see the Rodeo in person, they become curious.

“Once in the gates, they come to understand why this is an annual family outing for many who live in and out of the Clovis area,” Tweedy continued. “The rodeo was started by the Clovis Women’s Club as a way of bringing everyone together and it continues to do so today.  Families, friends and the community celebrate their western heritage each year at the Clovis Rodeo.”

Tweedy sees the rodeo as a variety of opportunities for everyone involved. The fans get a show and the competitors put on a show and compete for a piece of the pot.

“In my opinion, the Rodeo has many purposes depending on your degree of involvement,” Tweedy said. “We have the fans who come out and expect to be entertained by the Rodeo Athletes.  We have the rodeo athletes that not only want to entertain the fans but who compete against one another to earn money towards their goal of making the National Finals Rodeo. We have the sponsors who support the rodeo each and every year so that the Rodeo Committee can put on the best show on dirt.  

“Then there are all of the committee people and volunteers who work countless hours to prepare not only for the contestants and animals, but the fans to make sure they enjoy their day at the Rodeo,” Tweedy continued. “And last but not least, the Clovis Community benefits as when everyone mentioned above works together and the Rodeo is successful, the contributions put back in the community are unprecedented.”

It’s the 104th running of #ClovisRodeo this weekend! Come for Professional bull riding, rodeo competitions, concerts, entertainers, other events and, of course, the food. Read #thefeather => https://t.co/iscKrg3W7I @OldTownClovis @playfresno @ClovisChamber #oldtownclovis #Clovis pic.twitter.com/NXVNxHVb3d

— The Feather Online (@thefeather) April 27, 2018

The Clovis Rodeo is a beloved tradition and takes hundreds of dedicated volunteers to put on every year. The tradition is long-standing and continues to bring the community together each and every year. Please let The Feather know what your favorite parts of the Clovis Rodeo are in the comment section below!

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