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KING CITY — Labor Day weekend is coming and so are nearly 600 barrel racers from across the Western States, including a few from South County, who will be making their way to King City for the 2018 West Coast Barrel Racing Association (WCBRA) Finals presented by Nutrena Feeds.
According to Salinas Valley Fair CEO TJ Plew, these contestants have competed all year for the qualification and opportunity to compete at the coveted WCBRA Finals held over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, beginning at 7 a.m. daily at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds.
With more than $160,000 added cash in the purse alone, payouts are expected to surpass $300,000 within the three days of competition. More than $50,000 in awards will top all that added cash, including five custom Cactus Saddles, four ATVs, dozens of custom Yeti coolers and drinkware, countless Montana Silversmith trophy buckles and more.
In addition to the racing, other entertainment includes a Producer Appreciation Banquet, a Juniors race, an amateur Pendleton Whisky Men’s Barrel Race, Year End Banquet and several Paint parties.
As the 2018 Finals are ramping up, all indicators are pointing to another record year for the association.
Looking back over this past season alone, the WCBRA was represented in 60 different cities between California, Arizona and Nevada with the help of 50 individual producers hosting more than 450 prime sanctioned events.
The 2017 WCBRA Finals was ranked the second “Top Divisional Finals” in the world in addition to the 11th “Top Barrel Racing Event” in the world.
This recognition includes all major rodeos and jackpots in the barrel racing industry.
Association producers point to the number of entries, added money and total payout as to why the WCBRA has placed amongst the ranks of many historical and prestigious events.
The WCBRA remains humbled by what is taking place on the West Coast and the excitement centered around the barrel racing industry in this region. The West Coast Barrel Racing Association is striving to provide a fun, fair and affordable place for all levels of racers to feel welcomed.
Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge. Members of the public interested in attending should park at nearby City Park or on Division Street. Enter through the San Lorenzo gate to access the Rava Equestrian Arena.
The Salinas Valley Fair parking lot at Division Street will be closed to traffic beginning Wednesday, Aug. 29, through Monday, Sept. 3. Access to the fairgrounds through San Lorenzo Street will be closed to event participants only beginning Wednesday, Aug. 29.
The softball field at City Park will also be closed to the public beginning Thursday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 3, for WCBRA event parking.
For more information and event schedule, visit the official race website westcoastbarrelracing.com.
