Back in the saddle
Clements Stampede galloping back after 9 years
CLEMENTS — About a decade ago, organizers of the Clements Stampede decided to cancel the event due to lack of sponsorship and rising costs to operate the rodeo.
The popular event that drew bullriders and bronco-busters from all over the state had been held for 68 years, hosting competitions for organizations like the California Cowboy’s Pro Rodeo Association.
Now, the Clements Buckaroos is bringing the event back, partnering with the CCPRA to hold the organization’s finals in San Joaquin County.
Rayanne Currin, vice president of the Clements Buckaroos and co-chair of the rodeo, said the event’s official new name will be the Clements Stampede CCPRA Finals.
“They wanted a home for their finals, and they wanted a home in a community that didn’t have a rodeo, but wanted one,” Currin said. “Clements was the perfect place, because the people of this community have asked for the Stampede all the time. All of our businesses get asked by people if we still have the rodeo.”
This year’s return will be a simple endeavor, Currin said, as spectators will be able to purchase sodas, beer and food. However, there will be no merchandise such as T-shirts or hats for sale.
Currin is hoping that if the Stampede’s comeback is successful, merchandise and other amenities could be available in future years.
The top 12 contestants of the rodeo season will be competing in eight events for the year-end championship, including cash, belt buckles and other prizes.
Men will showcase their talents in bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling, while women will compete in breakaway roping and barrel racing.
Lodi resident Cheyanne Murdoch will be one of 12 women competing in the breakaway roping event this weekend.
There will be about 100 contestants at the event, with just three competitors in the men’s bareback riding and eight in the bull riding events.
The team roping challenge will involve two men paired together for competition.
While the Stampede has hosted CCPRA events in the past, this will be the first time the organization’s finals will be held in Clements.
Formed in 1966, the CCPRA sanctions rodeos throughout California, with co-events in Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
According to News-Sentinel archives, the Clements Buckaroos canceled the Stampede in 2011.
Currin said it costs organizers more than $20,000 to hold the Stampede. Without partnership with the CCPRA, the event could not have returned.
This year’s sponsors have also helped the rodeo return, which include Chase Chevrolet, Reeve Trucking Inc., Lee’s Feed and Kat Country 103, she said.
In years past, the Stampede attracted an estimated 1,500 people, and Currin hopes those numbers return this weekend.
“We’re hoping for a big event so we can add a little more flair for the upcoming years,” she said. “We’re trying to keep costs down this year so the community will come out and we can run this next year. Without the community, or our sponsors, we just can’t hold this like we used to.”
The Clements Stampede CCPRA Finals will be held Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Clements Buckaroos Rodeo Grounds, 19813 East Highway 88.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the gate. Children younger than 10 years old are admitted for free. Parking is $5.
For more information, visit www.clements buckaroos.com or call
(209) 224-4646.