CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — The wait is almost over as the Clovis Rodeo kicks off on Wednesday.
Clovis Rodeo Association Director Ron Dunbar says about 50,000 people are expected to attend over the five days of the event.
“It’s going to be another great year,” he said. “We expect some of the top cowboys and cowgirls, and the best animals. We put a lot of money up where we get the best of the best and keep our fans entertained for three hours and non-stop action.”
Action, music, competitive riding and more is what people can expect from the Clovis rodeo.
All of it is made possible by mostly volunteers.
This year marks 112 years since it first began, making the rodeo a part of Clovis tradition.
“This is a significant event in a smaller town, which makes a very big, outsized impact,” says City of Clovis Economic Director Chad McCullin. “The City of Clovis began in 1912 and the rodeo began in 1914, so that’s how connected we are between the city and the rodeo. The city is not what it is without the rodeo.”
The fun and economic impact goes beyond the rodeo grounds.
The event generates about $10 million in revenue, and a good portion of that goes right back into the region.
“I believe it immediately puts back about $400,000,” saus Clovis Rodeo Association President Danny Swenson. “We work with Kiwanis, Boy Scouts and all of them help us, but they also get a share, so we put a lot back into the local non-profit groups.”
The official rodeo starts on Wednesday evening at 6 pm.
The annual parade in Downtown Clovis will take place on Saturday morning, starting at 9:30 am.
“It will be very busy, and a lot of people will visit with a lot of good time to be had,” Dunbar said.
Tickets are available now, and people are encouraged to purchase them from the rodeo association’s official website before they sell out.
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