President’s Message

The Clovis Rodeo is a part of our community’s history and a big part of my family’s history too.  My first rodeo was when I was four months old and I haven’t missed one since!

Now, I’m honored to be the President of the Clovis Rodeo.  Along with a dedicated team of directors, associate directors and tireless volunteers we started planning for the 109th Clovis Rodeo set to take place April 26-30 right after the rodeo ended last year.

The Clovis Rodeo is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that gives back more than $350,000 annually to support local organizations including 4-H, FFA, Clovis Schools, Clovis Police, California High School Rodeo Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Break the Barriers, Boy Scouts of America, Clovis Community Hospital, Majoree E. Radin Breast Care Center, Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation, Fresno State Veteran’s Education Program and the Central California Blood Center.

The best part of the rodeo is seeing old friends, making new friends and giving back to our community.  It’s just the right thing to do!

We’re a non-stop action packed 5-day event kicking off with the Girls Breakaway Roping qualifier on Monday, April 24, PBR Bull Riding on Wednesday, April 26, followed by 4-days of heart-stopping rodeo action.  It began as a time to bring our community together, and is now one of the top Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) rodeos in the nation.  With a total winning purse of more than $400,000 we bring in world champion cowboys and cowgirls, and some of the best bucking stock in the sport from throughout the United States and Canada.

I admit I might be a little partial, but I have been fortunate to visit a lot of rodeos throughout America, and it really is, hands down, one of the best rodeo performances you will ever see!  We’ve have concerts during the weeknight performances, a parade, Gold Card Roping, Jackpot Roping, Ranch Rodeo and one of the largest blood drives in the nation.

Some have asked me why I’ve been involved for so long – honestly – It’s the roar of the crowd very April that makes this all worthwhile.  Trust me, as one of the arena boys, there is nothing more exciting than standing in front of the chutes, watching a cowboy make a 90-point ride on a bareback horse and hearing our hometown crowd cheer.

We hope you’ll join us April 26-30, and become a part of our rodeo family.  We have some of the best fans in the sport.  Not to mention some of the best tri-tip sandwiches around.

A special thanks to our rodeo sponsors who support us and help us make a difference in our community.  And my appreciation to the rodeo committee, our families and our volunteers for helping us make it happen.

Hope to see you soon!

Ron Dunbar, President – Clovis Rodeo Association

Past Clovis Rodeo Presidents

The Association’s presidential term is a 12-month period beginning in May and ending with the completion of the Rodeo season the following year. When Jess Bigelow did not complete his term that began May 1948 – the Association’s Vice President Joe Moore completed the term.

Note: The Rodeo Association continues to seek photos of Jess Bigelow and Dr. J.R. Hoop, who served May 1942 – May 1943. If you can help, please contact the rodeo office at (559) 299-8838.