SALINAS — The California Rodeo executive board has voted to postpone the 110th California Rodeo Salinas, which will now take place Oct. 8 to 11, preceded by the Professional Bull Riding event on Oct. 7.
The shift in timing came after a recommendation from the rodeo’s COVID-19 Response Committee.
The move from July to now October not only allows the rodeo to comply with anticipated directions from Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno, but also makes obtaining supplies for the multi-day event possible. Rodeo staff needs to secure orders and maintain the rodeo grounds, which is not possible with the current shelter-in-place orders.
California Rodeo Salinas is an economic driver for the Salinas Valley community, expected to create more than $11 million in economic impact during its one-week run. This includes donations to local nonprofits that work during events to earn money for their programs.
The rodeo association said it will make every effort to host the California Rodeo Salinas and some of the auxiliary events where possible.
“Our hope is that regulations and guidelines related to the virus will be less restrictive in October than July, but hosting the event is still subject to pending health guidelines,” said Salinas Sports Complex General Manager Jim Slaten.
Details about tickets and more will be communicated when they are solidified, and the COVID-19 Response Committee will continue to evaluate other events. The committee meets weekly to review new information regarding the virus.
