75th Annual Elks Rodeo by Santa Maria Times

Something new, old and something for everyone ‘It’s the little things that make this rodeo so big’ JENNIFER BEST

Contributing Writer

Santa Maria’s little cowboy shindig, established 75 years ago as a fun community fundraiser, has grown into a weeks-long series of festivities that culminate in an award-winning, nationally renown rodeo. The big show returns May 31 through June 3 this year with old favorites and new surprises. “It’s all about celebrating the volunteers who have helped us get to 75 years because without them we wouldn’t be here today. The community that supported us, and the volunteers who made it all happen, that’s what made it all possible,” said Elks Rodeo Chief Operations Officer Tina Tonascia. In its first three-quarters of a century, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Contest has raised more than $11.7 million for youth recreation programs and facilities throughout Santa Maria Valley. Organizers hope the 75th Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, Queen Contest and related events will push that fundraising effort over the $12 million mark. “Without the queen organization, there is no $11.7 million. The rodeo is the wheel to let that queen organization exist, but those girls work hard. They’re out there working away for these fundraisers for a pot of money that has been divided between soccer and baseball and youth programs

Top: A winner’s belt buckle in the Beard-AReno contest, which is held annually by the Santa Maria Elks in anticipation of the rodeo. LEN WOOD, STAFF

Above: Riders bring in the first wave of flags during opening ceremonies Sunday for the last day of the 2017 Elks Rodeo. Left: Errol Frain, of Marysville, competes in the steer wrestling event during the final day of the 2017 Elks Rodeo. FRANK COWAN PHOTOS, CONTRIBUTOR

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The Santa Maria Times has brought you live football, basketball and baseball action on our website santamariatimes.com. Don’t miss us live from the 2018 Elks Rodeo! We’ll be broadcasting a LIVE spe-

cial edition of our show 805SportsTalk from the Elks Unocal Event Center on Thursday at 6 p.m., focusing on all of the sights, sounds and competition. Senior Sports Reporter Elliott

Stern and Digital Producer Jason Anderson will be talking to cowboys, event coordinators and Elks personnel to bring you inside the action. If you follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts

we’ll also keep you updated on all of the action throughout the day. Join us as we continue our commitment to bringing you the biggest sporting events on the Central Coast.

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75TH ANNUAL ELKS RODEO

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

Cowboy Up Casino raises money to help kids, families fighting cancer New fundraiser to feature card games, raffles, auctions and fun JENNIFER BEST

Contributing Writer‌

‌Santa Maria Elks rodeo fans are invited to ante up for a cause Saturday during Cowboy Up Casino, a benefit for Central Coast pediatric cancer patients. Proceeds from the casino-style card games, raffles, live and silent auctions will be donated to help local families offset the costs of medical treatment for their children. “Last year, we were able to give each of our 25 families $1,000, all raised at this event. We hope to be able to raise enough to do at least that much again this year,” said Elks Rodeo Chief Operations Officer Tina Tonascia. Deals begin at 1 p.m. Saturday with auctions and raffles held throughout the three-hour event. A variety of beverages and snacks will also be on sale. Cowboy Up Casino and the Golden Circle of Champions were inspired by Lexi Brown, a 12-year-old Santa Maria Valley girl who died in 2016 after a long, well-publicized battle against cancer. “We have a hard time wrapping our brains around losing such young members of our community. It’s a terrible, terrible thing families have to deal with,” Tonascia said. Today, the rodeo works with Dignity Health to identify local

LEN WOOD, STAFF‌

Resistol is joining the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo as part of the Cowboy Up Casino. families who could use the boost. Santa Maria Elks hosts them at Thursday night’s rodeo performance where The Hitching Post also treats them to dinner, Resistol provides cowboy hats to patients, and Central Coast Party Factory provides them free access to the bounce houses in Camp Buckaroo. Early supporters of the Golden Circle of Champions fund-raising events included Jim Diani and Jason Diani of Diani Building Corporation, Lexi Brown Foundation, Elks Lodge member volunteers and Dignity Health. Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer, a Los Alamos-based foundation, also passes the boot throughout rodeo weekend to help the cause. “It takes an army of folks to pull

this off,” Tonascia said. Cynthia Schur, publisher of the Santa Maria Times, which is co-sponsoring the event, said the Times’ staff is honored to be included in the Cowboy Up Casino fundraising effort this year. “Our collective hearts ache when we hear of a family whose child is diagnosed with childhood cancer, and we are so proud of folks who step up to help ease the strife these families endure,” said Schur. “One such person is Tina Tonascia, who two years ago along with her team at Elks Recreation created the Golden Circle of Champions, which allows kids to forget about their doctor’s appointments and with their families, just have some fun.”

Minetti’s rodeo legacy lives on ELLIOTT STERN

estern@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

‌No history of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo would be complete without a look at the contributions of the late Clarence Minetti. As the Elks celebrate their 75th “Denim and Diamonds” anniversary, Minetti’s influence is still being felt. Minetti and his band of volunteers worked tirelessly to take the rodeo from being a small, local event into a world class affair. Minetti was the longtime General Chairman of the Elks Rodeo Committee, holding the position from 1967 until 1994, but he was involved in Elks Rodeo right from the start. In 1944’s inaugural event, Minetti, who died at the age of 93 in March of 2011 from injuries sustained in a car crash, was an arena “pick-up man.” He also won the rodeo’s first Open Stock Horse championship. “Dad was involved in the beginning. He was part of Elks Rodeo for close to 50 years,” said Susie Minetti Righetti, the youngest of Clarence and Rosalie Minetti’s three children. “I can’t remember not being at the rodeo. I was about a year old when my parents took me to my first Elks Rodeo — it’s been such a big part of our lives.” “I started going to the rodeo with dad when I was in grammar school in the 1950s,” said oldest son Charles Thomas “Tyke” Minetti. “Dad enjoyed the rodeo and we all got to enjoy it with him.” Clarence and Rosalie were the long-time owners of Corralitos Cattle Ranch and founded the Far Western Tavern in Guadalupe. But after his wife and children — Tyke, middle daughter Marie and Susie — Elks Rodeo was his second love. “Dad wanted to preserve our Western history, our ranching heritage — that was what he was all about,” said Righetti. “He wanted to expose the children to our heritage. He thought it was important that the children knew about the history we all share here in the Santa Maria area.” Minetti worked his way up through the ranks and in 1953 was named the Arena Director. Minetti became Elks Lodge #1538’s Exalted Ruler in 1959, the same year he was named the Assistant General Chairman of the Rodeo Committee. In 1967, Minetti took over as

SANTA MARIA TIMES FILE PHOTO‌

Clarence Minetti is seen in a 1965 Santa Maria Times photo.

Righetti High School students compete in the pushup challenge, one of several contests at area high schools sponsored by the Elks Rodeo, Mega 97.1 and the U.S. Army. Winners of those challenges will face off at the Elks Rodeo in front of the crowd.

Rodeo pushup contest wrangles local high school competitors Winners get swag, dollars, bragging rights JENNIFER BEST

Contributing Writer‌

‌Five Santa Maria Valley teens will compete for prizes and school pride in the first Elks Rodeo Pushup Challenge during the 75th Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. “It’s a fun way to bring younger people to the rodeo and it’s fun having the high schools out there building school spirit. They come out in their school colors to cheer on their representatives,” said organizer Ed Carcarey of Mega 97.1. Carcarey organized the event in partnership with the rodeo, U.S. Army, and Righetti, Pioneer Valley, Santa Maria, Orcutt Academy and St. Joseph high schools. “We want young people to see that there’s a lot to the rodeo. There’s hard work, dedication, loyalty, working with animals, working outside, things that are being lost in this last couple generations,” Carcarey said. After learning that a similar event introduced to Clovis Rodeo in recent years had been a hit, he decided to import it to Santa Maria Valley to boost the rodeo, build spirit among schools, and provide the military a fun avenue to talk to students. “I love the military. I don’t care what branch it is,” said Carcarey,

who served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. “Doing a promotion like this instead of setting up a booth is a fun way to talk to the young people they’re interested in reaching.” Finalists in the first Elks Rodeo Pushup Challenge earned their berths by winning preliminary rounds held in May at each participating high school. About two dozen competitors at each campus dropped in for the contests where drill instructors counted out the cadence and competitors tried to outlast each other. “It was all about endurance at that point. They went until they couldn’t go anymore, and we took the winners,” Carcarey said. The championship event, however, is a whole new ballgame. During Thursday’s rodeo performance, school champions escorted by Army representatives will march into the arena where they’ll go head-to-head for two minutes. Whichever competitor does the most Army-style pushups in that period wins. “Drill instructors will watch each competitor to keep count and to make sure they’re doing proper pushups. They’ll be disqualified if they break down into lame pushups,” Carcarey said. The winner will bring home rodeo swag, a $250 donation to their school, and, of course, bragging rights.

75th Elks Rodeo will serve as living memorial to late Phil Harwick CONTRIBUTED PHOTO‌

Rosalie and Clarence Minetti are seen in the 1987 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade. Minetti, the General Chairman of the Elks Rodeo, was honored as the Elks’ Citizen of the Year. the rodeo’s General Chairman, a position he held until he retired in 1994 when he was named Chairman Emeritus. “Dad came up with the idea for a Mini Rodeo, a rodeo just for kids,” said Righetti. “He loved getting kids involved in the rodeo.” “He always wanted to make the rodeo better,” said Tyke Minetti. “He always wanted to start a Mini Rodeo. He wanted to get kids out there who were never able to see the rodeo. He thought that would teach them about our heritage and hoped that maybe they’d bring their parents back to see the rodeo with them.” For the Minettis, Elks Rodeo truly was a family affair. All three Minetti children were rodeo volunteers. “I just got my 55-year Elks pin this year,” said Tyke Minetti. “I worked out at the rodeo for 50 years. I worked in the stripping chutes where we took the riggings and saddles off the bucking broncs and bulls and worked the catch pens. I was working but I also had the best seat in the house.” Tyke Minetti also competed in Elks Team Roping. “I actually won it one year,” said Tyke Minetti. “We had all kinds of fun. I roped with Frank Machado, Jack Fesler and my son Timmy. That Elks Team Roping gets more competitive all the time.” “I worked in the rodeo office

with dad while I was in high school at Righetti (which is named for her husband Paul’s uncle, Ernest Righetti Sr.),” said Righetti. “My sister Marie also worked in the office. My husband worked with dad as the Arena Director for a number of years. Our daughter Renee Righetti Fowler worked for many years in the rodeo office with my dad and (current Elks Rodeo Chief Operating Officer) Tina Tonascia in the early 90s and Tyke’s daughter Michelle even worked in the sports department at the Santa Maria Times while she was in high school.” It was not just about the Minetti’s immediate family, Elks Rodeo included their extended family as well. “I think the best thing was the relationships that dad built with his friends, not just from around here but from outside the area. His passion was so much about extending Santa Maria hospitality, treating people well,” said Righetti. “And his relationship with (Leland) “Butch” Simas (who succeeded Minetti as Elks Exalted Ruler) was special. They were such dear friends. They were two very special men who brought Elks Rodeo from nothing up to big time status. I know Tina Tonascia is continuing the traditions that dad started. She really loves Elks Rodeo. Just like dad, she’s got it in her heart — that’s what it takes to make Elks Rodeo special.”

‘Harwick Hill’ to be dedicated with bench, engraved stone JENNIFER BEST

Contributing Writer‌

‌Phil Harwick became a driving force in the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo before the dedicated volunteer and fearless leader passed away in early 2018. For 16 years, he rounded up teams of volunteers who revitalized the event and improved and maintained the rodeo grounds. He reveled in the teams’ achievements. Now they’ll honor his. The 75th Santa Maria Elks Rodeo will serve as a living memorial to the man who loved this community event. The rodeo committee will also dedicate “Harwick Hill” to his legacy. The hill behind the VIP tent was a popular viewpoint for Phil and his dog, Chester. “On work days, if you couldn’t find Phil painting or working, all you had to do was look up there. He’d be out there working right beside us, then he’d be gone, up there admiring it all. He said it warmed his heart to watch the team pull something so magical together,” said Elks Rodeo Chief Operations Officer Tina Tonascia. A memorial bench, engraved stone and sign will be posted on the hill in his memory. Harwick, raised in a ranching family in Arroyo Grande, served his professional career as an engineer with the San Diego City Fire Department. Within weeks of his 2002 retirement, he as back on the Central Coast where he settled in Nipomo, taught for a decade at the Hancock College Fire Academy, and quickly saddled up with the Elks Recreational Committee, the organization within Santa Maria Elks Lodge that stages the rodeo and its related events.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO‌

Former Santa Maria Elks Recreation Committee president, the late Phil Harwick, shows off the plaque the Elks were awarded after being named the Best Medium Sized Rodeo of the Year by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association on Dec. 12, 2015, during the annual National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Tonascia said Harwick served as Elks Recreation Committee president for six years before losing his months-long battle with cancer at the age of 73. “He had a vision of bringing the rodeo back to national recognition,” Tonascia said. As president, he oversaw the renovation of the Unocal Event Center, including expansion of the VIP tent, turning the on-site dance hall into a second VIP tent while also adding a third VIP tent. Under his leadership, the committee brought back Hall of Fame rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, upgraded the video scoreboards, got Clown School off the ground and revitalized the Rodeo Queen Program. After the 2015 rodeo, the Elks Rodeo was named the Best Medium Rodeo of the Year by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. “The hill really offers the best view of the grounds. He could see everything from there. We’re dedicating that spot to him so he can continue to watch over us like he 00 1 used to,” Tonascia said.

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A new way to watch New midway big-screens offer rodeo-goers best of both worlds JENNIFER BEST

Contributing Writer‌

‌Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is all about catching live rodeo action from the stands, for some. For others, it’s about gathering with neighbors on the midway for sips and good company. The 75th annual event will blend the best of both worlds with the addition of giant-screen televisions on the midway broadcasting rodeo events live for shoppers, schmoozers, boozers and buckaroos alike. “We’re excited that, with the addition of the big-screen TVs, people can hang out on the midway, visit with family and friends, and still get in on the action,” said Elks Rodeo Chief Operations Officer Tina Tonascia. While grandstand tickets provide up-close-and-personal rodeo action, midway-only tickets have been popular for people more interested in shopping, dining and watching their kids play in Camp Buckaroo. The new screens, organized by Elks Director Scott Parson and provided by Piranha Productions, will offer rodeo-goers the best of both worlds. “We’re blessed to have wonderful crowds,” Tonascia said. “With the big screens, we’ll be able to have sell-out crowds, but still engage each end of the midway with a live feed from the scoreboard and giant screens so they won’t miss a moment of rodeo action.” Rodeo supporters can purchase discount tickets at any of several locations up and down the Central Coast including Vons, Albertsons, Farm Supply, Miramar Feed and Western Wear, Carr’s Boots and Boot Barn.

“We’re excited that, with the addition of the big-screen TVs, people can hang out on the midway, visit with family and friends, and still get in on the action.” Tina Tonascia, Elks Rodeo Chief Operations Officer

FRANK COWAN, CONTRIBUTOR‌

From left are the 2018 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen candidates Carolina Lemus, Hannah MacLean, Makana Mahelona, Kate Compton and Seyenna Alysia Cavazos.

Elks Rodeo Queen will be crowned Friday night STAFF REPORT

‌ his year’s Santa Maria Elks T Rodeo Queen candidates are Carolina Lemus, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe; Hannah MacLean, sponsored by the Orcutt Youth Soccer League; Makana Mahelona, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria; Kate Compton, sponsored by VTC Enterprises; and Seyenna Alysia Cavazos, sponsored by Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. Carolina Lemus, a 16-year-old junior at Righetti High School, is the daughter of Abraham and Erika Lemus. She also has an older brother, Abraham, and younger sister, Lizeth. Since her freshman year, Lemus has been involved in many campus activities. She’s currently the Latinos Unidos president, Future Farmers of America reporter and AVID secretary. Born in Santa Maria and raised in Guadalupe, Lemus said she hopes to make a difference in the lives of people in the community as well as others. Hannah MacLean, 17, a senior at Orcutt Academy High School,

is daughter of Jon and Melinda MacLean and granddaughter of Berto and Betty Van Veen. She calls the entire group her “biggest supporters.” An avid soccer player and student athlete, MacLean said she has learned so many life lessons about “responsibility, teamwork, time management, determination and so much more.” After high school, MacLean hopes to attend a four-year university, get a degree in nursing and become a registered nurse. She also hopes to earn a doctorate and one day become an emergency room surgeon. Righetti High School senior Makana Mahelona’s family moved to Santa Maria from Hawaii 24 years ago, and although they have roots elsewhere, Mahelona said she’s proud to call Santa Maria her home. Mahelona, 18, is the daughter of Kurt and No Mahelona, and has an older brother, Kaulana, who lives in Vacaville. She is also a varsity volleyball star at Righetti High School. During her sophomore year, she earned the recognition of tri-

sport athlete, playing volleyball, water polo and swimming at the varsity level. After high school, Mahelona hopes to attend Hancock College and then transfer to a university to major in business management and minor in early childhood development. Nipomo High School junior Kate Compton, 16, said she has dreamed of being a rodeo queen since she was a little girl, because the rodeo has been such a huge part of her life. Every year, she rides her horse in the Elks Rodeo Parade and she has been a flag girl for the rodeo since 2016. Compton is the daughter of Peter and Lynn Compton, who is San Luis Obispo County’s 4th District supervisor. She has a twin sister, Kristin. She calls her family, VTC chairperson John Glines, VTC co-chairperson Erika Weber and the rest of the VTC Enterprises team “the major driving force behind my campaign, along with my parents.” Compton is involved in the Future Farmers of America program at her school. She hopes to attend Cal Poly, Fresno State or the Uni-

versity of Nevada, Las Vegas and become a veterinary pharmaceutical representative “because of my love for horses and their welfare.” Seyenna Alysia Cavazos, 18, is a senior at St. Joseph High School, where she has made her mark as a varsity cheerleader for the past three years and a varsity softball player for all four years. “I feel honored to be standing next to the other girls,” Cavazos said. “There’s already a bond among us. We’re not so much about competing, but rather we’re all here for each other throughout the rodeo season.” Cavazos is the daughter of Eloy and Stephanie, and has a brother, Elijah. When she’s not busy playing sports, Cavazos enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community. She comes from a family that has been in involved with the Elks Rodeo for four generations, including Rodeo Queen candidates — her aunt Bonnie Sue George and cousins Leticia, Vanessa, Jasmine Rodriguez and Melissa Saucedo.

‘Queen’ photographers hanging up their spurs after 40 years Giachettos have watched contest, cameras change JENNIFER BEST

Contributing Writer‌

‌Babs and Richard Giachetto are hanging up their spurs, packing up their cameras and getting out of Dodge, but not before photographing their 40th and final class of Santa Maria Elks Rodeo queen candidates. The owners of “Photography by Richard” on West Jones Street began shooting the rodeo queen candidates shortly after moving to the Santa Maria Valley in 1977. Those were the days of film, blackand-white prints, darkrooms, candidates who were as practiced at riding horses as they were at dialing a telephone. “Many years ago, 90 percent of the girls knew how to ride a horse. Now it’s the exception. You’d put them up on top of a horse for the first time in their lives, and that was always interesting. You don’t want her to look scared. She has to look confident,” Richard said. For years, Babs said, the candidates were high school seniors. They’d kiss their boyfriends, friends and families good-bye for six weeks while they ramped up their efforts to raise as much money as possible for their sponsor organizations. They’d miss parties and proms, family gatherings and simple days at the beach, all in favor of helping their communities while reaching for that crown. “It was interesting to see how they handled that. It’s always been

fun watching the camaraderie between them. It was fun to watch them try to win, but also help each other out at the same time, especially in that age group,” Babs said. She was particularly impressed by their dedication to community. “I always called all of them the Elks Rodeo queens because they’re all working their little fannies off. Do you know how much work they put in? They’re out there running around, doing something every Friday, Saturday and Sunday to raise money for this community. It’s mind boggling,” Babs said. Each rodeo season, the Giachettos provided head shots for posters, a group photo with the raffle prize, and individual photos for the candidates. During the rest of the year, they shot weddings, kids, sports, high school seniors, and families. Their services included commercial and aerial photography. As technology changed from film to digital, so did the Giachettos. Richard replaced equipment with the latest, and Babs transferred her darkroom skills to computer editing skills. She answered the phones, made the appointments, and he composed and created the images. “You had to if you wanted to stay in business. All the color labs went digital. Film got to be a pain to process. Now there’s more Mac equipment here than the Mac Store had at one time,” Richard said. The Giachettos enjoyed their time on the Central Coast documenting people’s lives for posterity. Now they look forward to retirement. “We’re a lot older than we sound. I figured, since we’re 75, it’s OK for

LEN WOOD PHOTOS, STAFF‌

For 40 years, Richard and Babs Giachetto have been the photo team behind all the Elks Queen photography. Now, they’re wrapping up shop. us to retire,” Babs quipped. “It’s time. I think that photography is not what it used to be, and that’s a natural progression. I’m ready. I’d like to be near the grandkids to see them more often.” After this year’s photo shoots, they put the place up for sale, lock, stock and barrel. “I’m at the end of my rope,” Richard added. “I’m old and grayhaired. I’m ready to retire.”

Babs Giachetto edits pictures of the Elks Queen candidates taken by her husband Richard, standing.

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and basketball courts and parks. Imagine how many families have been able to be recipients. That wouldn’t have happened without these funds, these girls,” Tonascia said. “Diamonds and Denim” Elks Rodeo weekend runs into June, but related events kicked off May 18 with the Minetti Mini Rodeo Golf Tournament. The 59th Annual Beard-A-Reno contest followed on May 19, and the Miss Mini Rodeo and Miss Santa Maria Elks Rodeo fired up May 20. Rodeo spirit spread throughout Santa Maria Valley in the following weeks. Santa Maria Elks volunteers Bob Orach, Patti Rodriguez and Mayor Alice Patino headed the charge to breathe new life into the popular window decorating contest last year. “I’d been a fork-and-knife Elk for years. I finally decided it was time to do something, and it’s been fun. We have the parade and all the other stuff that gets back to where the whole town participates. It really adds to the atmosphere,” Orach said. This year, they hit up high school art teachers for volunteers. More than 100 young artists volunteered their time and talent to the effort. “Lo and behold, the teachers were phenomenal. They were excited as all get out. And the kids did a fanatical job,” Orach said. Even with three-quarters of a century under its belt, Santa Maria Elks Rodeo continues to evolve

FRANK COWAN PHOTOS, CONTRIBUTOR‌

A capacity crowd in the grandstands awaits opening ceremonies during the final day of the 2017 Elks Rodeo. and grow. This year’s event includes the addition of big-screen televisions in the midway to help fans connect with arena events throughout their visit, new contests in Miss Mini Rodeo and Junior Barrelman, and new acts for the nightly barn party rodeo warm-up acts.

Caleb Moon, 6, left, and Kayden Sorenson, both of Santa Ynez, watch the action in the arena during the final day of the 2017 Elks Rodeo.

Illusionist Jared Hall will warm-up the crowd for Thursday night’s family focused rodeo performance. That night’s performance is free to children 12 and younger who attend with a paying adult. Mitchell Tenpenny travels from Nashville for Friday’s pre-rodeo performance while JD Hardy will hit the stage Saturday night. Live music carries into Sunday’s rodeo finals with the after-rodeo Mariachi and Margarita Barn Party. “We have some new surprises lined up during the rodeo performances as well. You’ll have to come out to find out what they are,” Tonascia said. Traditional rodeo events and crowd favorites have returned. There’s Friday night’s Elks Rodeo Queen Contest, a parade Saturday morning at 9 a.m., and Cowboy Up Casino Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and live music performances daily. Other highlights include: Skydiver Kent Lane with his daily aerial flag presentations; the Flying Cowboy; Camp Buckaroo with bounce houses, bungee swings,

714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-5862

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Cody Kiser, of Carson City, Nevada competes in the bareback bronc riding competition during the final day of the 2017 Elks Rodeo Sunday. even a kid-friendly mechanical bull. The Coors Dance Hall Rodeo Dances will continue, as will nightly performances of Coasthills Mutton Bustin’, Wrangler Stick Horse Races, and Kids’ Silver Dol-

lar Coin Dig. “It’s all of these things, all the performances, all the volunteers, the community, that make it happen. It’s the little things that make this rodeo so big,” Tonascia said.

Enjoy the

Rodeo! odeo!

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Rumford returning as Elks Rodeo clown Six-time PRCA Clown of the Year to entertain at 75th anniversary ELLIOTT STERN

estern@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

J‌ ustin Rumford is on quite a roll. He’s a one-man sports dynasty, having won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) Clown of the Year award six years in a row. And Rumford is bringing his unique talent back to the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. “I’ll be back in action in Santa Maria for the Elks’ 75th anniversary Rodeo,” said Rumford during a recent telephone interview from his home in Ponca City, Okla. “I’m getting into town on Monday and I know (Elks Rodeo Chief Operating Officer) Tina Tonascia already has my schedule packed.” This will be Rumford’s third Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. “I wasn’t able to come out here last year,” said Rumford. “But that’s okay because I never want my act to get stale.” It would be hard for that to happen since Rumford doesn’t have a set act. “Yeah, I don’t have a routine at all – there’s nothing routine about Justin Rumford. For the most part, it’s all freestyle,” said Rumford. “I don’t do jokes. I don’t have a plan like a lot of other rodeo clowns. I go with the flow, feed off the crowd and go with what I see. It’s pretty unscripted but I do have some new stuff planned for Santa Maria.” “He’s hilarious,” said Flying U Rodeo General Manager Reno Rosser. “There’s no scripted material with him so every night it’s something different. Everything is authentic, spontaneous, off the cuff. He’s the No. 1 rodeo clown in the United States.” Rumford will get right to work, teaching at Tuesday night’s 6th annual Clown College at the Elks Unocal Event Center. He’ll host a herd of local radio, TV and newspaper celebrities— teachimg them the ins and outs of being a rodeo clown and barrelman. “The clown school is fun. I’ve always enjoyed it,” said Rumford. “The students really take it all in. They’re very serious about learning how to clown around.” The celebrity clowns will be Rumford’s assistants during the Mutton Bustin’ competition at each rodeo performance. And there will be someone new helping out during the Mutton Bustin’ – the Elks first-ever Junior Barrelman, a young man who will be chosen soon after a special Junior Barrelman competition. “He’ll be my protégé,” said Rumford. “I’ve had a special barrel built just for him by my barrel maker in Weatherford, Texas. The people in the stands will get to see the Junior Barrelman perform every day. It’s pretty cute.” Rumford has his own junior barrelman at home in Ponca City, his 4-year-old son Bandy. Bandy is one of Ashley and Justin Rumford’s three 4-year-olds; daughters Livi and Lola round out the Rumford triplets. “The girls are identical and I use them in my act whenever I can,” said Rumford. “You can do a lot of funny stuff with identical girls. They’re very entertaining.” Rumford comes from a rodeo family and competed throughout his childhood, high school and college years. A steer wrestler, he even com-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO‌

Justin Rumford is bringing his barrelman/rodeo clown act back to the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. For the first time, he’ll have a partner in the arena when the Elks select a Junior Barrelman to work with Rumford during Mutton Bustin’.

“The reason why Santa Maria’s rodeo is one of the best is the community’s involvement. Santa Maria puts the whole town into the rodeo; from all of the volunteers to all of the media. There’s something for everyone.” Justin Rumford

BILL MORSON PHOTOS, CONTRIBUTOR‌

People on the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley float wave to the crowd during the 2017 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade.

Elks Rodeo Parade to wind through Santa Maria Saturday Floats, bands, equestrians and more will entertain crowd JENNIFER BEST

peted against the Central Coast’s own world champion — five-time world steer wrestling champion Luke Branquinho – before a knee injury ended his competitive career. Rumford has seen many of the country’s rodeo arenas as either a steer wrestler or clown. “The reason why Santa Maria’s rodeo is one of the best is the community’s involvement,” said Rumford. “Santa Maria puts the whole town into the rodeo; from all of the volunteers to all of the media. There’s something for everyone; the Meet and Greet cookout at the Chrysler dealership, Friday morning coffee on the street, the parade, concerts and dances. “And the Elks bring out an AllStar cast every year. In addition to bringing in the best cowboys and cowgirls, there’s rodeo Hall of Famer Cotton Rosser and his Flying U Rodeo bucking bulls and broncos, Hall of Fame announcers Bob Tallman and Wayne Brooks and the best soundman ever Chuck Lopeman.” While Rumford spends most of rodeo night providing laughs, he ends each performance as part of a dangerous act – he’s the man in the can, the giant Coors Beer can that finds its way to the middle of the arena during bull riding. Rumford is the barrelman, and provides an island of safety for those cowboys who’ve been launched by tough-minded bulls. He shares that spotlight with two bullfighters – men with similar clown makeup who are the cowboys’ first line of defense. But the laughs are what most people will remember for a long time after they leave the Event Center. “What I really like about him is that he’s not afraid to make fun of himself,” said Rosser. “He’s going to go down as one of the best rodeo clowns ever.”

Contributing Writer‌

‌Thousands of Santa Maria Valley citizens, dignitaries, clowns and more will march, drive and ride down Broadway on Saturday, June 2 for the Elks Rodeo Parade. Parade floats, equestrian groups, marching bands, classic car clubs, service organizations, and vintage tractor teams will A member of the American Legion Riders District 16 rides down the join the celebration of the 75th route during the 2017 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade. Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and the Kids from the community it serves. Community Action The parade rolls down BroadCommission way beginning at 9 a.m. at the Head Start Mill Street intersection. The 1.5Program walk mile route marches straight down down Broadway Broadway to Enos Drive where during the 2017 parade participants are invited to Santa wrap up their march with a snack. Maria Elks Rodeo The parade is free to view, and Parade. sidewalk seating is available on both sides of Broadway up and down the route. It will also air live on KCOY to accommodate rodeo parade fans who can’t make it to the route. Please see PARADE, Page 7

The Pioneer Valley High School Panther Pride Marching Band performs during the 2017 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade.

Local artist JD Hardy brings country sounds to rodeo ‘I like to do a little of everything, and, somehow, I can write it all’ JENNIFER BEST

Contributing Writer‌

‌The 75th Santa Maria Elks Rodeo brings in world-class performers and athletes from throughout the nation, but it’ll celebrate its local roots Saturday evening when Central Coast country music artist JD Hardy takes the stage. The Arroyo Grande artist brings to the stage a blend of traditional country story-telling, upbeat country swing and modern country as well as mixed-genre Americana. “I like to do a little of everything, and, somehow, I can write it all,” Hardy said. Hardy was raised in Bakersfield where his dad was a studio musician for Buck Owens, his grandfather served as Owen’s pastor, and his grandmother was a singer-songwriter and recording artist in her own right. Merle Haggard and Red Simpson were just

everyday guys to little JD. “I was surrounded by music. I didn’t have a chance not to be a musician,” Hardy said. He was 3 years old when he picked up the guitar, and by the time he was 7, he’d added drumming to his skill set and was playing on Owens’ Sunday morning gospel radio show. “That was our church for about six years,” Hardy said. He came into his own in his late 20s when he started opening for a laundry list of country artists: Mark Chestnutt, Shooter Jennings, Tyler Farr, Easton Corbin, The Swon Brothers, and more. “I’ve always had fun with it,” Hardy said. He signed with Sony Nashville, then Castle Records before going independent. “I wanted to take back control of my music, the delivery, the presentation. Technology

allows artists so much control now. I can do my pre-studio work here at the house. Everyone who works for me has their input, but ultimately I have control of what comes out in the end, and as an independent, that means the song I hear in my head is the song you’ll hear on the recording,” Hardy said. For the finish work, he turns to professionals, not the least of which is Steve Crimmel at Painted Sky Recording Studio in Cambria, and Nasvhille’s master sound mixer Bob Bullock. “Mixing and recording and sound and music, it’s in their blood,” Hardy said. With more than 200 songs in his catalog, there’s no telling what Hardy will pull out Saturday night. “Amongst musicians, there are no genres. True musicians can switch from country to reggae to

FRANK COWAN, CONTRIBUTOR‌

Arroyo Grande recording artist JD Hardy will bring his country sounds to the 75th Annual Elks Rodeo. rock to metal, whatever they feel like playing. Either you can play, or you can’t. True musicians have respect and admiration for one another no matter what style they favor,” Hardy said.

JD Hardy recordings can be found online at ReverbNation. com and iTunes. His new album, “Country Saves Me,” will be released in late September on CD- 00 1 Baby.com and amazon.com.

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Elks Rodeo Parade Route

2018 ELKS RODEO PARADE LINEUP ‌1 SKYDIVER KENT LANE 2 BOOTS-N-CHUTES ALL ARIBORNE ASSOC COLOR GUARD 3 RIGHETTI H. S. WARRIOR MARCHING BAND 4 SANTA MARIA CHRYSLER DOGE JEEP RAM FIAT 5 MERRILL GARDENS 6 SALINAS ELKS #614 FLAG HONOR GUARD 7 CALIFORNIA HAWAII ELKS STATE PRES. BOB DUITSMAN 8 CALIFORNIA HAWAII ELKS MAJOR PROJECTS 9 OLD SPANISH DAYS 10 BLANK 11 LOS RANCHEROS POBRES 12 LOMPOC VALLEY FLOWER FESTIVAL QUEEN CANDIDATES 13 SANTA MONICA MOUNTED POSSE 14 GRAND MARSHAL PETER STERLING 15 SANTA MARIA ELKS RODEO QUEEN FLOAT 16 TRENDS SALON 17 COUNTRY OAKS CARE CENTER 18 MARINE CORP LEAGUE COASTAL VALLEY DETACHMENT 1340 19 CONGRESSMAN SALUD CARBAJAL 20 BLANK 21 ARELLANES JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND 22 HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL STEVE LAVAGNINO 23 SANTA MARIA MODEL A FORD CLUB 24 ORCUTT JR. HIGH SCHOOL BAND 25 STAR OF THE PARADE PRYOR BAIRD 26 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY 27 MEXICAN LADIES SOCIAL CLUB 28 GARCIA DANCE STUDIO 29 GOOD SAMARITANS SERVICES & KUHL AM 1440 30 BLANK 31 SANTA MARIA ELKS LODGE #1538 OFFICERS WAGON 32 SANTA MARIA ELKS OUTRIDERS 33 SANTA MARIA ELKS LODGE PAST EXALTED RULERS

Plaza St.

34 SANTA MARIA ELKS ANTLERS 35 COMMUNITY BANK OF SANTA MARIA 36 COUNTY LINE 4-H ROAD APPLE RANGERS #1 37 SANTA BARBARA ELKS LODGE #613 PAST EXALTED RULER 38 PIONEER VALLEY H.S. BAND DRUM MAJOR 39 PIONEER VALLEY H.S. PANTHER PRIDE MARCHING BAND 40 BLANK 41 PIONEER VALLEY H.S. COLOR GUARD 42 SANTA MARIA ELK OF THE 53 SANTA YNEZ VLLEY ELKS YEAR WAYNE STAHL #2640 43 SANTA MARIA ELKS LODGE 54 SANTA MARIA CITY COUNCIL PAST ELKS OF THE YEAR 55 TOMMIE KUNST JR. HIGH 44 SANTA MARIA FIRE DESCHOOL MARCHING BAND PARTMENT 45 SANTA MARIA ELKS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR RICK HAYDON 46 VANDENBERG MIDDLE SCHOOL MINUTEMAN BAND DRUM MAJOR 47 VANDENBERG MIDDLE SCHOOL MINUTEMAN BAND 48 COL. MICHAEL HOUGH, COMMANDER, 30TH SPACE WING 49 LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST—SMOKEY BEAR 50 BLANK 51 SANTA MARIA ELKS KADIDDLEHOPPER CLOWNS 52 RAIDER NATION SANTA MARIA CHAPTER

56 MISS CALIFORNIA RODE-O SALINAS

68 SANTA MARIA H.S. SAINTS 81 MOXIE CAFÉ MARCHING BAND 82 CHARROS UNIDOS DE LA 69 C.C. VIETNAM VETERANS COSTA CENTRAL OF AMERICA CHAPTER #982 83 COUNTY LINE 4-H ROAD 70 BLANK APPLE RANGERS #2 71 MICHAEL B. CLAYTON 84 LOS AMIGOS 4-H

72 ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE 85 BLANK YOUTH BALLET FOLKLORICO 58 SANTA MARIA FFA 86 AL MALAIKAH SAHARA 73 FULLERTON ELKS LODGE PATROL COLOR GUARD 59 WELLS FARGO BANK ROYAL CHARIOTS STAGE COACH 87 AL MALAIKAH SAHARA 74 EL CAMINO JR. HIGH DIVAN 60 BLANK SCHOOL MARCHING BAND 61 TRI VALLEY RC MODELERS 75 EL TORO MARKETS CHAR- 88 AL MALAIKAH MILLION DOLLAR BAND ROS 62 CHARROS GRANO DE ORO 89 AL MALAIKAH STAGE76 “A” STREET CAFÉ / VTC 63 GRIFFIN FAMILY TRUCK CRAFT UNIT 77 KINGS COUNTY SHERIFF’S 64 SANTA MARIA ELKS RO90 AL MALAIKAH TEMPLE POSSE DEO ENTRY GUARD 78 RIGHETTI FFA 65 SANTA MARIA ELKS RO91 AL MALAIKAH SILVER 79 SANTA BARBARA CO. DEO SPONSOR FLAGS MOUNTED PATROL SHERIFF’S MOUNTED ENFORCEMENT 66 SPONSOR FLAGS RAR 92 AL MALAIKAH KOOPERS 57 RANCHO EL CAPITAN

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67 THOUSAND OAKS ELKS #2477 80 BLANK

Once again, skydiver Kent Lane is scheduled to open the parade with his traditional aerial flag presentation targeted on the VIP tent at the Landmark. Judges will select winners in several categories providing trophies for first place, and ribbons for second- and third-place

winners in each of 12 categories: Sweepstakes Float, Best Overall Float, Grand Sweepstakes, Best Musical Unit, Exalted Ruler’s Trophy, Most Outstanding Equestrian Individual, Mayor’s Trophy, Best Community Entry, The Bobby Acquistapace Memorial Trophy, Best Mounted Group, Chairman’s Choice, and Best Youth Entry. Prizes will be presented at 1 p.m. at the participants’ lun-

cheon located at the J.C. Penney parking lot. The 75th Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade is made possible through sponsorships, and the effort and hours of more than 100 volunteers including Elks members, various community service clubs, and citizens at large. The event is chaired by Santa Maria Elks member Tim Murphy, who has served on the parade

93 AL MALAIKAH SHRINE CLOWNS

105 AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS ORCUTT POST 534

94 AL MALAIKAH MOTOR PATROL

106 GOLD COAST COLLISION

95 SANTA MARIA SHRINE CLUB

108 BANDA PERLA GITANA

96 RIGHETTI H.S. MARIMBA BAND AND FOLKLORICO 97 BUMPING RITA THE CLOWN 98 OAKLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 99 ORCUTT ACADEMY H.S. BAND

107 PIONEER VALLEY FFA 109 RANCHO DE NIPOMO 110 BLANK 111 PIONEER VALLEY FFA RAR 112 BALLET JUVENIL AZTECA DE ROCIO 113 COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION HEAD START PROGRAM

100 BLANK

114 EL PADRECITO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

101 AMERICAN GENERAL MEDIA

115 SANTA MARIA BIKES

102 EL ARENAL 103 SANTA MARIA FOUR WHEELERS 104 NIPOMO INDIANS

116 FESLER JR. HIGH SCHOOL BAND 117 RIO BROADCASTING 118 RIGHETTI H.S. THUNDER DRUMLINE

committee for nearly 20 years and took over the chairmanship from Bobby Acquistapace. But he couldn’t pull off the event without a healthy, committed crew of committee members that dedicate countless hours of work and boundless energy to the event that has become a highlight for the community. For a complete list of parade enBILL MORSON/CONTRIBUTOR‌ tries, visit www.santamariatimes. com. Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Entry.

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