California Rodeo Salinas begins with horse parade and carnival excitement
The California Rodeo Salinas kicked off with a horse parade, carnival rides, and cherished family traditions, marking the start of Rodeo Week in Salinas.
SALINAS, Calif. —
The California Rodeo Salinas returned this week, starting with a horse parade and carnival festivities that brought families together to celebrate one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions.
The day began with the horse parade on East Alisal Street, where riders welcomed families to the start of Rodeo Week.
“The whole community shows up, you know, it’s not just one select, you know, group of people. It’s everybody in the community that shows up for this. So it’s nice to be able to see faces. And, you know, it’s kind of like a family reunion for Salinas in a way,” said Jasmine Smith, a rider in the horse parade.
For many, the event is a tradition they eagerly anticipate each year.
“I like to watch them. Like them coming out and, like running and and all that stuff. It’s really fun,” one attendee said.
Just a few blocks away, the carnival was already in full swing, filled with laughter, screams, and rides spinning in every direction.
Children shared their excitement about their favorite attractions.
“The drop. Because you feel the adrenaline in your stomach,” one child said.
“The zipper because I really like how it spins. And it also is kind of crazy inside, so I like that,” another said.
“Maybe that black one over there. It’s, like, really exciting. And it’s, like, scary, which makes it even more fun,” a third child said.
While Thursday’s festivities continued across the fairgrounds, one of the rodeo’s most popular events, mutton busting, had already kicked off on Wednesday night.
The event gave young cowboys and cowgirls the chance to hold on for the ride of their lives.
“I love seeing the kids mutt busting. Just kind of, you know, I feel like kids don’t always have confidence. So I feel like it really gives them that boost, especially in front of the crowd,” said Smith.
From thrilling rides to simple family moments, the first day of Rodeo Week in Salinas offered something for everyone to enjoy.