2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
Ramona Rodeo

Ramona Rodeo

"Cowboy up!" is the phrase that sets the stage (or in this case, the arena) for the fun, thrills and excitement that is the Ramona Roundup Rodeo, which has been held every May for 26 years.

The rodeo was started back then with the backing and active support of Casey Tibbs, probably the greatest rodeo cowboy who ever lived. He had settled in Ramona in the 1970s and lent his prestige to the enterprise when Brian Winter, then president of the Chamber, suggested it in 1980. The first rodeo parade was held in 1987.

The event is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is sponsored by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce.

The festivities take place in the Fred Grand Arena at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center. About 600 rodeo contestants get their bones jarred and their adrenaline pumping at breakneck speed during these two days of rough and tough sport.

Leading up to the rodeo is the competition that ends up crowning the royalty of the rodeo, the queens. This year they include Mackenzi Cayford, senior queen; Rachelle Pyeatt, junior queen; Sierra Israels, young miss; and Alexis Awrey, little miss.

On the weekend before the rodeo the family Kick-off dance is held to get everyone in the mood.

Then on the Saturday of the rodeo thousands gather along Main Street for the rodeo parade, one of the most popular old-fashioned parades in the region.

At the rodeo itself you are likely to see some of the biggest names in rodeo, as the Ramona competition is part of the California circuit.

Competition consists of roughstock and timed events. In the roughstock events (saddle bronc riding, bull riding, etc.), the contestant earns points based on his performance and that of the animal he’s riding on. The cowboy stays on the beast a full eight seconds, and must also avoid touching anything with the hand that’s not holding onto the loop of leather.

Timed events, on the other hand, include competition in such things as team roping, barrel racing and tie-down roping. Contestants compete against the clock and against each other to carry out their goals.

Although the PRCA clowns and bullfighters entertain the crowds, they also have a deadly serious function of protecting fallen cowboys from rampaging horses and bulls.

For the kids there’s the Kids and Camera Day on Sunday morning. The events include the Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl contest, dummy roping, broomstick horse race, youth bull riding barrel and roll ‘o ropers. There’s also a Western theme carnival and games going on throughout the day.

Rodeo celebrates the skills that cowboys needed in the Old West to tame horses and herd cattle. Today Ramona residents help keep that heritage alive and KICKING.