Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo Kicks Up Heels for Long-Standing Traditions in the Valley
John Palminteri
SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley is reviving rodeo traditions and demonstrating some of the long-standing events that make the sport so popular in the Central Coast area.
The 6th Annual Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo is set for June 21 and 22. It is presented by The Santa Ynez Valley Western Heritage Foundation.
The arena is being built on land owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the San Carlos Property, across from the airport off of Highway 246.
On a larger scale, the two-day event is a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) qualifying rodeo which means some of the top performers in the nation will be present along with rising stars.
“From the second you drive in, it’s about having a good time, whether you come in with your friends or your family,” said Cody Murphy the Vice President of the Western Heritage Foundation.
His father Kevin Murphy founded the event with his friend Ralph Lausten of Empire Rodeo.
They want it to be a traditional style event with a close up feel for the action. Some of the riders will be pros and rising stars.
It will include Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Tie-down roping, Barrel Racing and Steer Racing and Women’s Breakaway Roping.
The Junior Events will include Mutton Bustin’, Junior Barrel Racing and Stick Horse racing.
“You get into it when you see the biggest names in rodeo going by. It’s all about feeling the horses running by you, the bulls. You’re in the action. It’s a good time,” said Cody Murphy.
Western culture will be featured throughout this event through activities and promotional items. It will transfer to many other areas in the heart of Santa Ynez and nearby communities. The event overall will be a regional economic booster.
This is a family friendly event with kids getting some up close time with the performers. Admission is free for children 12 and under. There will be no charge for parking on the property in a designated field area.
There will also be coverage on the Cowboy TV channel and the Cowboy Lifestyle Network. A 20 foot by 30 foot screen will be on location for close up shots.
Seating has been increased from last year. There will be 2000 bleacher seats along with a large VIP tent for over 300. The event will take place Saturday starting at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. It is expected to be fast-paced and done in about two to three hours. There will be a DJ and dancing afterwards.
Some of the funds will go to programs including the Golden Circle of Champions which supports cancer treatment and services for children. There are also funds for the Santa Ynez High School Agriculture Department.
The rodeo is on the same weekend as Old Santa Ynez Days with a parade set for Saturday morning through the township. “Years ago, when it was started, they did have some performances and a rodeo that went on after (what was called) Tortilla Day. So we thought it’d be kind of neat to bring that back,” said Kevin Murphy.
For more information, ticket sales and sponsors go to: Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo https://www.syvrodeo.com/
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