It's become synonymous with the Elks name on the Central Coast. For the more than 60 years, the first weekend in June has meant one thing to Santa Maria Elks members, and tens of thousands of locals who enjoy watching the rough and rugged sport of rodeo.
"We have 3100 members, and I would say out of that 3,100 members, 500 to 600 of them will be out there different times to work," says Bruce Carmitchell. He's the Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 1538. "The best darned lodge in the state!" he says proudly.
Carmitchell is a good spokesman for the organization, and he should be. The members of 1538 have managed to create one of the best darned rodeos in our state. It draws some of the best competitors on the rodeo circuit. World champions make time in their busy schedules to come here.
John Jones Jr. Is a three-time World Champion Steer Wrestler who always looked forward to the Elks Rodeo. "I consider it my local rodeo, and it's such a well done rodeo. They're professional guys down there and the Elks take great pride in running that thing without a hitch," he says. "It might even be one of the first rodeos ever that had a hospitality tent for the contestants."
But it's about a whole lot more than bulls, broncs, and belt buckles. "We have donated almost 10 million dollars back to the youth here in Santa Maria," Carmitchell proudly points out.
The rodeo came about after the Elks created a foundation to to raise money for the youth of Santa Maria. The rodeo was only part of the plan, but it raised $3,000 that first year and it has taken off from there. "Every person that works out there is a volunteer," says Carmitchell. "Not a single person, takes one red cent out of that."
A few years ago, the rodeo moved from the fairgrounds to it's own facility thanks to a gift from Unocal. Carmitchell says the oil picked up the tab for the whole thing. "Unocal deeded that piece of property to Elks Rec with the explicit understanding that all money made on that would go for the benefit of the youth of Santa Maria."
The activities start kicking into gear on Thursday when kids from around the area get out of the classroom for a day and get front row seats to an early round of competition. Carmitchell says the Elks pay for everything. "It's a fantastic time. We bring in bus loads of kids. Last year we had a little better than 7,000. We're looking for 5,000 to 6,000 thousand this year."
The rodeo queen contest also provides more than a ride for young ladies in the big parade. The competition raises a good chunk of change as well. It all gives rodeo fans and first-timers a taste of top caliber competition. And it's a chance to celebrate a tradition for the Santa Maria Elks, the youth they serve, and the community that turns out ever year to support their efforts.
"It's one of the bigger ones in California. We have a few others that are probably a little bit bigger, but as far as the hospitality and stuff goes, everyone enjoys coming to Santa Maria." says Jones.
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Ron the Reporter thinks Jeanette should win an Emmyby MidwestEmmys354 views
Rodeos are torment for the animals and expose them to injury. Animals have died, and countless animals have been injured. Animal organizations want it to stop, especially the calf roping. They are jerked abruptly off all four legs by the rope, slammed down on the ground and tied, for the fastest time.
Rodeos display and encourage insensitivity to the acceptance of brutal treatment of animals. We don’t have to harm innocent animals for amusement, nor should we as a civilized society.
LucyShelton 8 months ago