The 24th Annual San Bernardino County Sheriff’s P.R.C.A Rodeo is scheduled on Friday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 24 at Glen Helen Regional Park. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and the rodeo starts at 6 p.m.
Friday night’s rodeo is dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence. On Saturday, visitors are asked to wear pink to show support for breast cancer awareness. Sunday’s rodeo performance is dedicated to military and public safety personnel.
Rodeos have been part of the San Bernardino landscape since 1957. For years, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has brought this exciting tradition to the Inland Empire in what has quickly become one of the most outstanding western sporting events in Southern California. Each year the association strives to create a bigger and better rodeo that truly exemplifies the thrilling excitement of the Old West.
Changing times saw the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Benefit Rodeo disappear in 1974 to the dismay of rodeo lovers everywhere. But with the dawn of the new century, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is proud to bring back this classic event, bigger and better than it ever was.
Through the generous support of community sponsors and the dedication of Rodeo volunteers and association members, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo is an opportunity for visitors to experience the “rough-and-tumble” ways of cowboy life along with wholesome family entertainment.
The Rodeo has come a long way since its beginning in 1957. Today the Rodeo not only includes the blood tingling excitement of bull riding, calf roping and saddle bronc riding, but also family entertainment also includes the mechanical bull, rock climbing, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Each year, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Benefit Rodeo nominates a Rodeo Queen to represent and promote the rodeo. Past Queens have included local residents such as Leslie Wheeler of Fontana and Linda Tillman from Yucaipa. The reigning Rodeo Queen will work to promote the rodeo throughout the year.