The Gilroy Rodeo dates back to 1930 and the original event lasted until 1956. But 62 years later, Rodeo landowner Erik Martin and his wife, Kendra, rebooted the event in 2018 as a local nonprofit organization with the goal of celebrating the region\u2019s agricultural roots and western heritage.<\/p>\n
Alyssa Brown, event director for the Gilroy Rodeo Association, said 20,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event. Its growth has led the association to contribute more than $500,000 to various local nonprofits and community groups since 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough the event has grown considerably, it remains rooted in the same sense of community, tradition and western hospitality that made the original Gilroy Rodeo so special,\u201d Brown told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight.<\/p>\n
Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cristina Cortes said the rodeo, which takes place each year during the second weekend in August, provides a significant economic bump for local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a wonderful embodiment of western heritage that our businesses and community can lean into to celebrate and enjoy,\u201d Cortes told San Jose Spotlight.<\/p>\n
While the rodeo is in Gilroy, Morgan Hill Councilwoman Yvonne Martinez Beltran said the multi-day event is felt throughout her city. She said Morgan Hill gets to showcase its Future Farmers of America youth<\/a> and share its heritage with thousands of visitors.<\/p>\n \u201c(The rodeo) highlights the authentic agricultural roots that continue to drive our regional economy and gives weight to our agritourism<\/a> brand,\u201d Beltran told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight.<\/p>\n Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy Regional Manager Eric Gebhardt said the rodeo is a powerful economic engine for the entire region, and he notices how tourists extend their stays beyond the event.<\/p>\n \u201cThis additional economic activity supports local jobs, generates important (hotel tax) revenue that helps fund essential city services and introduces thousands of first-time visitors to everything Gilroy has to offer,\u201d Gebhardt told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight, adding he sees many people visiting from the Central Valley and as far as from Reno to attend. \u201cIt\u2019s a homerun for the area.\u201d<\/p>\n Frank Johnson, executive director of Visit Gilroy, the city\u2019s marketing arm and visitors bureau, said Gilroy\u2019s three western-themed stores downtown complement the rodeo culture. Among those is Brother\u2019s Western Wear.<\/p>\n Owner Gus Cazares said he opened his store four years ago with the goal of providing authentic, handmade boots and hats.<\/p>\n \u201cWe definitely see more customers when the rodeo is going on, buying shirts and hats to wear at the event,\u201d Cazares told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cWhen the rodeo is going on, our sales improve around 15% from a typical weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n Maria Cid has attended the rodeo for the past four years. The Hollister resident and her family enjoy taking in the music, entertainment and local food.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery year the rodeo seems to get even better, and I can\u2019t wait to see what they have planned this year,\u201d Cid told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight.\u00a0 Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo appreciates the increase in visitor traffic and the economic lift to his city, but he also wants to emphasize rodeo\u2019s history.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gilroy Rodeo acts as a reminder that South Santa Clara (County) is still an area that is associated with agriculture and ranching,\u201d Bozzo told San Jose Spotlight. \u201cThis is important to our identity and pride here in Gilroy.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_4633-1024x768.jpeg\")
Brother\u2019s Western Wear owner Gus Cazares said business spikes up 15% during the Gilroy Rodeo weekend. Photo by Giovanni Albanese Jr.<\/p>\n![\"In-line](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/interactive-321838904008.png\")
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