Clovis Rodeo Weekend Gaining International Attention

For more than a century cowboys have taken to the arena dirt in Clovis. In front of cheering crowds they ride bucking broncos, wrestle steers, and salute America. This rodeo tradition and western lifestyle is described as the backbone of this California community.

"It’s very important to the Clovis people and it’s great for the community. It brings a lot of money in here and a lot of Cowboys on the circuit look forward to this so I think it’s great," said Clovis resident Ileen Nelson, whose husband spent years volunteering at the Clovis Rodeo.

Thousands of people have returned to fill the stands, but the action is attracting new fans from as far away as Russia.

"It’s a very big thing here in Clovis and by the way all the people are stopping by it should be very fun and very crowded," said Tatiana Moyseychik, who is visiting from Russia and attending the Clovis Rodeo for the first time.

Both in the stands and in the chutes this rodeo is now on the international radar. Cowboys from as far away as Austrailia and Brazil have come to compete for cash and the title of Clovis Rodeo Champion.

"I think that’s a sign of where we’ve come over the years. We’ve built this rodeo into one of the top 15 in the United States. We add money to the prize money for these guys and we bring in the best stock from the stock contractors. So that helps us bring the best cowboys here and put on the best show," said President of the Clovis Rodeo Association Greg Gillard.

While the focus is on the action inside the rodeo arena, hundreds of volunteers have dedicated their lives to growing this event.

"I have a friend who is working right now… For months all day long and in the evenings selling just tickets," said Nelson.

There are more than 700 volunteers that are working to put on the rodeo. Rodeo officials say by the end of the weekend more than 35,000 people will have experienced this event.