Bringing a bit of normalcy to yet another abnormal year, the Santa Maria City Council proclaimed “Go Rodeo Days” as the community’s big event gallops toward a Labor Day weekend ride.
Mayor Alice Patino read what had been an annual proclamation ahead of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo — until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s rodeo — during Tuesday night’s meeting.
The mayor noted that the Go Rodeo Days proclamation encourages residents and businesses to don western apparel and adopt the rodeo spirit.
“The last year and a half or so have been quite challenging for us, but we really appreciate the support we receive from the City Council and from our community,” said Peter Sterling, president of the Elks Recreation Board of Directors.
Elks Recreation declared on its website, “We ride again.” It organizes the rodeo, which benefits youth recreation and other community programs.
“You know this rodeo does belong to our community, and we’re very happy to be a steward,” Sterling said.
Because of the pandemic, the 78th annual Elks Rodeo will take place Sept. 2-5 at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center, 4040 Highway 101.
A key aspect, the annual Elks Rodeo Queen contest, also marked its kickoff event, although the candidates and their sponsoring committees have taken advantage of extra time to raise funds.
Instead of a June deadline, the contestants in the race to replace 2020 Queen Faith DeBrum, who was sponsored by VTC Enterprises, had extra time to raise funds since the 78th annual rodeo moved to Labor Day weekend.
This year’s candidates and their sponsoring organizations are Isabelle Gamino for Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe, Chloe LeMaire for Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Avery Nelson for St. Joseph High School and Faith Totorica for Santa Maria Nooontime Kwanis Club.
A recent dinner also recognized the reigning queen, DeBrum, and her princesses, Sabrina Dana and Anna Kuykendall.
While the 2020 rodeo was canceled, a modified queen contest continued. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the trio, along with their families and supporters, raised $440,059, pushing the total to $13.5 million raised through the decades to support youth recreation and other programs.
This year’s rodeo will span four days, with rodeo performances at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 and Friday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5.
The Rodeo Parade will travel south along Broadway starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 4., between Mill Street and Enos Drive. This year’s theme is “Santa Maria Strong.”
A number of other events, such as pre-rodeo concerts, also are planned.
Through Sept. 1, presale rodeo tickets are available at $20 for adults and $12 for senior citizens and adults. Ticket prices also carry an additional $8 cost for processing fees and parking. However, opening day is Family Night, so children age 12 or younger will be admitted for free.
The website also notes that attendees must follow guidance for masking and other public health orders.
Tickets, the event schedule and more information can be found on the Elks Rec website.
The rodeo isn’t the only event planned by Elks Rec in the coming weeks. Plans also are underway for a second Haunted Hills, providing a drive-through fright experience along 2 miles at the rodeo grounds.
Admission for Haunted Hills is $55 per vehicle or $70 per person for a VIP experience, with tickets and details available by clicking here.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.