President’s Message

Welcome to the 112th Clovis Rodeo.

We welcome you to join us all month long with a great line up of fun filled events leading up to 5 days of rodeo action to conclude the month of April. We are proud to have something  the whole family. The barrel racing, queen contest,  mutton busting, specialty entertainment acts and concerts brings something for everyone. Consisting of 600 cowboys, 90 cowgirls, 100 plus animal athletes, 50 mutton busters has the greatest show on dirt in Clovis California for you to enjoy.

Clovis Rodeo is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that gives back more the $400,000 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, Boys Scouts of America, and Valley Children’s Hospital, just to name a few.

The Rodeo started more than 110 years ago as a celebration for the community, a time to get together and celebrate our western way of life. That same spirit continues today. We get together to support our community and remember our history. Giving back and helping our community is a large part of why each of us is involved in the Rodeo today.

As one of the top 20 rodeos in the nation, we are a major stop for the cowboys and cowgirls on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) tour. We are known for having some of the best bucking stock in rodeo which brings us some of the top competitors in the sport. Add to that, great concerts, cold beverages and great food including our popular tri-tip sandwiches, making Clovis the best place to be on the last weekend In April.

If you have been to the rodeo before we encourage you to invite friends and family, if you are new, we hope that you have a great weekend and you and your family and friends make this an annual event in the years to come. The month of April brings plenty of excitement starting with the ranch rodeo, then jackpot roping and our annual Rodeo Blood drive. All before the Rodeo even starts.

A little about myself, I am a native of the Clovis / Fresno area and have lived here my entire life. I’ve been involved and volunteering with the Clovis Rodeo since 2010 and attended long before that. I joined the board of directors in 2016. I’m thankful to have been brought in and work under Past president and Director Ken Elliott who showed me the ropes. I’m  joined and supported by My wife of 24 years, Jeri, and our two daughters Jordan (23) and Emma (21). They love volunteering with me at our great rodeo whenever they can.

Acknowledgement to the current Board of Directors, Associate Directors, committee members, 300 plus volunteers and our more than 150 rodeo sponsors who support us and help us make a difference in our community. We couldn’t do it without each one of you.

And a special thanks to you, our rodeo fans. Thank you for making the 112th Clovis Rodeo a success before it even happens.

We look forward to seeing all of you April 22-26 for a celebration of our community and our rodeo heritage.

Let’s get ready to Rodeo,

Danny Swenson, 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.