Salinas residents are making last-minute runs for jeans, boots and hats as the California Rodeo Salinas approaches, and local merchants are adjusting hours and services to meet demand.
What changes for residents
Boot Barn on North Davis Road will keep its doors open an hour later during rodeo week, closing at 9 p.m. instead of its usual 8 p.m., the store told reporters. El Primo Western Wear said it expects to shape roughly 400 additional hats before the rodeo begins and will keep its steamer running steadily to meet requests for custom shaping.
Shoppers described a mix of tradition and last-minute needs. One young customer said she enjoys building a wardrobe for the event and tries to match skirts and tops. Another family stopped in to pick out boots for children and to have a hat shaped for the week’s activities.
"I'm going to try this on right now, and it's super cute," a shopper said as she prepared for the weekend.
Local retail and services gearing up
Store managers reported strong sales of denim, belts, jewelry and boots — staple items for rodeo attendees. Retailers noted that hats and custom shaping remain a popular draw, with shops allocating staff time to handle the influx of requests leading up to the rodeo.
- Extended hours at Boot Barn (North Davis Road) to 9 p.m. during rodeo week.
- El Primo Western Wear planning to shape roughly 400 hats before the event.
- Shoppers purchasing boots for adults and children, plus western accessories.
Events and timing residents should note
Country star Miranda Lambert is scheduled to headline a concert during rodeo week, and city festivities include the Kitty Capers Parade, set for 3 p.m. Sunday in Old Town. The parade and concerts are among the activities that drive increased foot traffic and retail demand in Salinas.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Boot Barn hours | Closing at 9 p.m. during rodeo week (normally 8 p.m.) |
| Hat shaping at El Primo | Approximately 400 hats expected to be shaped |
Residents planning to attend rodeo events should expect busier downtown streets and steady demand at western-wear shops through the weekend. Merchants say those who wait until the last day may find limited sizes or styles as popular items sell quickly.
Reporting for News Block in Salinas.
