Salinas shoppers rush for cowboy boots and hats ahead of California Rodeo weekend
Salinas shoppers are stocking up on cowboy boots, hats, and other western staples as they get ready for the California Rodeo Salinas.
Updated: 6:12 PM PDT Jul 10, 2026
Shoppers in Salinas are gearing up for the California Rodeo Salinas by searching for the perfect western outfits, from cowboy boots to hats and belt buckles. Jeans, hats, and cowboy boots are staple pieces for the rodeo, and for Bailey Casarez, picking out a new outfit has become part of the tradition. “I like matching skirts and tops, so I got this. I’m going to try this on right now, and it’s super cute,” Casarez said. “I’m like, building a whole collection of a whole whole bunch of dresses, a whole bunch of boots and all that kind of stuff,” she added. From new outfits to last-minute finds, shoppers are preparing for a big weekend. “Miranda Lambert. We’re going to her on Sunday or Saturday,” one shopper said. Another shopper added, “He needs some new jeans and some boots.” At Boot Barn, managers said the store is seeing high demand for western wear. “What is not flying off the shelves? I mean, everybody needs that great hat, that perfect piece of jewelry, that great belt, and, of course, denim,” said Samantha Stauffer, store manager at Boot Barn. Over at El Primo Western Wear, Milo and his family were shopping for new boots for the kids and taking advantage of one of the store’s biggest attractions—custom hat shaping. “I’m coming to get my cowboy hat shaped and get ready for big week next week,” Milo said. The store expects to shape about 400 more hats before the rodeo begins, keeping their steamer running all week long. When it comes to rodeo essentials, shoppers have their favorites. “Boots. Long boots were, like, up to the calves, up to the knee or something. And then, like flowers, I have a couple pairs of those that I always wear. I love those,” one shopper said. Another added, “Cowboy hat—you can’t go wrong with that. A cowboy hat.” Boot Barn on North Davis Road in Salinas is extending its hours next week for the rodeo, staying open until 9 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.
SALINAS, Calif. —
Shoppers in Salinas are gearing up for the California Rodeo Salinas by searching for the perfect western outfits, from cowboy boots to hats and belt buckles.
Jeans, hats, and cowboy boots are staple pieces for the rodeo, and for Bailey Casarez, picking out a new outfit has become part of the tradition.
“I like matching skirts and tops, so I got this. I’m going to try this on right now, and it’s super cute,” Casarez said.
“I’m like, building a whole collection of a whole whole bunch of dresses, a whole bunch of boots and all that kind of stuff,” she added.
From new outfits to last-minute finds, shoppers are preparing for a big weekend.
“Miranda Lambert. We’re going to her on Sunday or Saturday,” one shopper said.
Another shopper added, “He needs some new jeans and some boots.”
At Boot Barn, managers said the store is seeing high demand for western wear.
“What is not flying off the shelves? I mean, everybody needs that great hat, that perfect piece of jewelry, that great belt, and, of course, denim,” said Samantha Stauffer, store manager at Boot Barn.
Over at El Primo Western Wear, Milo and his family were shopping for new boots for the kids and taking advantage of one of the store’s biggest attractions—custom hat shaping.
“I’m coming to get my cowboy hat shaped and get ready for big week next week,” Milo said.
The store expects to shape about 400 more hats before the rodeo begins, keeping their steamer running all week long.
When it comes to rodeo essentials, shoppers have their favorites.
“Boots. Long boots were, like, up to the calves, up to the knee or something. And then, like flowers, I have a couple pairs of those that I always wear. I love those,” one shopper said.
Another added, “Cowboy hat—you can’t go wrong with that. A cowboy hat.”
Boot Barn on North Davis Road in Salinas is extending its hours next week for the rodeo, staying open until 9 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.