The return of Rodeo Week in Salinas began with horses on the move and families filling the fairgrounds. Residents gathered for a horse parade down East Alisal Street, followed by carnival rides, games and early-evening rodeo events that set the tone for several days of local tradition.
What changed for residents
Street-level activity increased where the parade passed, and carnival operations brought louder and later activity to the fairgrounds. The opening day paired community pageantry with the fair-style attractions that many Salinas families expect each summer.
Riders and attendees described the day as a neighborhood reunion. One parade rider, Jasmine Smith, said the event draws the entire community:
"The whole community shows up, you know, it's not just one select, you know, group of people. It's everybody in the community that shows up for this. So it's nice to be able to see faces. And, you know, it's kind of like a family reunion for Salinas in a way."
On the fairgrounds
The carnival adjacent to the rodeo grounds was operating with typical mid‑summer energy: spinning rides, games and food vendors. Children described favorite attractions, naming thrill rides like the drop and spinning rides that deliver an adrenaline rush.
- Horse parade — procession along East Alisal Street that opened Rodeo Week.
- Carnival — rides and midway attractions at the fairgrounds drawing families and children.
- Mutton busting — youth rodeo event that began the night before and continued to attract spectators.
Mutton busting, a fixture for young cowboys and cowgirls, started the evening before the parade. Smith said she enjoys watching the children in that event because it gives many of them a confidence boost by performing in front of a crowd.
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Horse parade | Community riders rode down East Alisal Street to mark the opening of Rodeo Week. |
| Carnival | Midway rides and games at the fairgrounds brought families together for summer entertainment. |
| Mutton busting | A youth rodeo attraction that began Wednesday night and drew enthusiastic spectators. |
The kickoff day combined spectacle and simple family moments — from riders waving along East Alisal to children describing which rides gave them the biggest thrill. For many in Salinas, the first day of Rodeo Week is a return to an annual tradition that blends local history with summertime community gatherings.
