I was asked recently for an example of something that is “uniquely Redding”. Maybe it is because I’ve been listening to a lot of country music on the weekends lately that my mind quickly went to Redding Rodeo Week. In our town, it is boots and chaps and cowboy hats, and a whole lot more – thanks to the Asphalt Cowboys and Redding Rodeo Association.
Where else is there a celebrated annual bank robbery, the assailants – two prominent people disguised as the “lone stranger” and “sidekick”, and a community wide contest to unmask them and locate the stolen “loot”? But wait, there’s more. The street dance and quick draw contest show off the best do-si-do’s and fastest guns on both sides of the mighty Sacramento River. Finally, the largest outdoor community breakfast in the country returns on May 14th. For all the details, please CLICK HERE.All the community engagement of the Asphalt Cowboys supports the main event – the 73rd Annual Redding Rodeo. The PRCA ProRodeo Hall of Fame event is scheduled for May 13th – 15th at the Redding Rodeo Grounds. The arena has been the stage for rodeo history, most notably on May 20th 1988, when top bull rider, Lane Frost, rode the unrideable ProRodeo Hall of Fame bucking bull Red Rock at the Redding Rodeo. Red Rock had not been ridden in 307 attempts (watch the video HERE). The Challenge of Champions, by John Growney in 1988, brought Red Rock out of retirement for an epic rematch of cowboy verse bull and inspired the film “8 Seconds” starring Luke Perry.
What history will be witnessed this year? To see for yourself, you’ll have to act fast as tickets are limited and going fast. For ticket information, please CLICK HERE.
On behalf of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, I’d like to thank the Redding Rodeo Association and Asphalt Cowboys for their tireless efforts to keep the uniquely Redding traditions of rodeo week alive. We all look forward to a full schedule of events in 2022. In the meantime, I’ll be going out with my boots on to search for the loot!
Jake Mangas
President & CEO
