The official commemorative poster for the 2026 California Rodeo Salinas is a long-standing rodeo tradition for the storied rodeo, which has been a cornerstone event in Salinas and Monterey County for more than a century.
The poster features retired Sgt. First Class James “Guido” Davis parachuting the American flag into the rodeo arena from 5,000 feet above, a moment that has become a signature highlight of the California Rodeo Salinas.
The image was created using two photographs taken by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association photographer Fernando Sam-Sin and stylized by graphic designer Tracy Hopper.
California Rodeo Salinas 2026 commemorative poster.
Davis, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran and former Green Beret, will mark his 11th year participating in the rodeo in 2026. He has completed more than 3,000 parachute jumps during his military and civilian career.
Posters will be available at the rodeo’s souvenir booth from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. They will also be sold at the California Rodeo office, located at 1034 N. Main St. in Salinas, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding a midday closure on Fridays.
Posters, as well as bumper stickers, are also available for purchase online through the California Rodeo Salinas website store at https://www.carodeo.com/p/about-us/store.
A concert with country superstar Miranda Lambert on Saturday, July 11 launches the annual Big Week festivities ahead of the California Rodeo Salinas, which runs July 16-19. Lambert, one of the most decorated artists in modern country music, will bring her chart-topping hits to the Central Coast for what organizers describe as a high-energy opening night.
Country music star Miranda Lambert will headline the California Rodeo Salinas Big Week Kick Off Concert on Saturday, July 11 at the Salinas Sports Complex.
Tickets are on sale at carodeo.com. Prices are $60 for grandstand seats, $90 for standing-room floor tickets and $100 for box seats. A clear bag policy will be in effect for the event.
The nonprofit California Rodeo Association supports local community groups and organizations through its annual rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas Sports Complex. In 2025, it generated more than $856,000 for local nonprofits. Visit the official Event guide on the rodeo website.
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This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: 2026 California Rodeo Salinas poster captures iconic US flag descent