Livermore Rodeo Is One Of Livermore's Oldest Traditions

LIVERMORE, CA — Hold onto your saddles, because one of Livermore’s oldest, proudest traditions is gearing back up.

The whole first week in June, Livermore will embrace its Wild West roots with the 106th annual Livermore Rodeo. Guests are invited to grab their cowboy hats and shiny belts and boots to enjoy everything from steer wrestling to bull riding. While the main bucking bronco events will take place over the weekend of June 8-9, there will be a whole series of other rodeo and community events scheduled the first week in June.

The Livermore Rodeo began in 1918, when the Red Cross was in dire need of funds to support soldiers injured in the First World War. They turned to Livermore to donate up to $1,200, worth almost $25,000 in today’s money. John McGlinchey, president of the Livermore Stockmen’s Protective Association, proposed a rodeo to earn the money at the James Anderson ranch, located near what is now the Portola Avenue offramp to 580.

The first rodeo was a smashing success, featuring a Grand Entry with multi-colored horses rushing down a hill carrying American flags. Universal Studios filmed the event, and the newsreel was shown across the country. It was so successful that organizers formed the Livermore Stockmen’s Rodeo Association. Many local people bought shares to purchase land near what is now Livermore Avenue and build permanent rodeo facilities there.

Over the years, the simple rodeo grew, adding parades, pageants, and increasingly creative events like steer decorating and hackamore classes.

In the 30s, it came to be known as “The World’s Fastest Rodeo,” a moniker it still uses today.

In 2024, the fun starts Saturday at 10, when a new Miss Livermore will be crowned at the Livermore Valley Stadium, followed by a celebratory barbecue.

On June 1, up to six local girls ages 7-12 will be selected as Princesses to represent the rodeo. See here for more information and application materials.

On June 5, enjoy dinner, dancing and music at the 43rd Livermore Rodeo Team Branding Mixer, which takes place from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at the Livermore Valley Stadium.

The following day, enjoy a rodeo slack from the Diablo Ladies Drill Team, and on June 7, top performers from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will perform at the Robertson Park Rodeo. That evening, enjoy a steak lunch and silent auction as the Livermore Rodeo Foundation recognizes its scholarship recipients and the 2024 Cowgirl honoree.

The signature weekend begins Saturday with the Livermore Rodeo Parade, which will highlight local businesses, organizations, and horses as they march through downtown Livermore. See here for parade entry information.

The parade is followed by two full days of rodeo events, featuring everything from bull riding to tie-down roping. See here for Saturday tickets and here for Sunday tickets.

For all other info, visit livermorerodeo.com.