President’s Message

Ron Dunbar and Vince Genco in the arena at the Clovis Rodeo
Ron Dunbar and Vince Genco in the arena at the Clovis Rodeo
Ron Dunbar and Vince Genco in the arena at the Clovis Rodeo
Ron Dunbar and Vince Genco in the arena at the Clovis Rodeo

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.

1937-39        Fitz Camp

1940-42       Carl S. Merriman

1944-46        Carl S. Merriman

1943               Dr. J. R. Hoop

1947-48         Delbert Smith

1948              Jess Bigelow

1949-51         Joe Moore

1952-54        Perry Root

1955              Ted Forbes

1956              Clair Pollard

1957-59        Jay Robinson

1960-64        Bill Rohde

1965-68        Dan Forbes

 

1969-71         Jack Estill

1972-73         Wally Boswell

1974-78         Rex Phebus

1979-80         Tom Sample

1981-82         Clifford Steward

1983               Chuck Pollard

1984-85         Wayne Rohde

1986-90         Stan King

1991-92          Bill Hedrick

1993-94         Vern Barkman

1995-96         Dan Rigsbee

1997-98          Vince Genco

1999-2000     Tom Stearns

2001-02          Bill Stewart

2003-04         Chuck Rigsbee

2005-06         Mike Spears

2007-09         Mark Thompson

2010-12          Ron Dunbar

2013-14          Chuck Rigsbee

2015-16          Greg Gillard

2017-18          Gary Bower

2019-21          Ken Elliott

2022-23          Ron Dunbar

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