89th Maxwell Rodeo kicks off today
From rodeo wrangling to frog jumping, delicious barbecue and hot rods, there will be something for everyone at the 89th annual Maxwell Rodeo, kicking off today.
Staying with tradition, it won’t cost attendees a dime to take part in this year’s festivities. This is part of what makes the Maxwell Rodeo – the longest running event in Colusa County – such a fun and a unique experience, according to Randy Wilson, Rodeo Committee member and car show organizer.
“This is simply a lively, small-town flavored event,” said Wilson. “Many people come from out of town because they enjoy not only the event but the homey atmosphere as well.”
For nearly nine decades, the Maxwell Rodeo has remained free due to a collaboration of the community Rodeo Committee, Maxwell High students and huge support from local sponsors, most of which are from Colusa County.
The festivities will begin with the 3K Bull Run at 8 a.m. at the corner of Highway 99 and Oak Street. Participants can walk or run down Oak Street in a nearly two mile trek towards the foothills. Those interested in participating in the Bull Run can register at the starting place beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Registration on the day of the event is $20. All contestants will receive a t-shirt, but those that register the day of the event will receive their shirt the week following the race.
Ribbons will be awarded to the top three finishers in four age groups: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-39 and 40 and older.
Following the Bull Run, the annual rodeo parade will make its way through Maxwell beginning at 9:30 a.m.
According to Wilson, there are between 50 to 60 entries already signed up for the parade.
“There will be a variety of floats,” said Wilson. “Everything from decorated vehicles to the fire department to military personnel.”
The rodeo, horse show and car show will all begin at 11 a.m. as well as the car show.
“The car show has been billed as the best free car show in the world,” said Wilson, who organized the first car show 22 years ago.
The car show will have all of the bells and whistles of any other car show but without the cost, said Wilson.
There will be over 225 cars on display, including some that have been featured on nationally published magazines.
At high noon, bench pressing and frog jumping competitions will begin.
A variety of games and prizes will be available for the kiddos as well.
The only things that attendees will have to pay for during the day’s events will be purchases from the variety of vendors on site and the food at the famous chuckwagon – but with a tri-tip plate (including a green salad, beans, bread and a drink) running only $10, the rodeo will be offering one of the best-priced lunch deals in the county, organizers said.
The chuckwagon lunch has been a longstanding tradition at the rodeo, grilling up tri-tip on the open flame for over 50 years.
“It is a tradition that people always look forward to,” said Wilson.
The chuckwagon will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
So, “Grab your spurs, put on your hat, Maxwell Rodeo is where its at!”
For more information, contact the Maxwell Unified School District at 4382052 extension 1212