The 25th Annual San Bernardino County Sheriff’s P.R.C.A Rodeo is coming to the Glen Helen Regional Park on Friday, September 27th through Sunday, September 29th, where the world’s top professional cowboys and cowgirls will be performing bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing and team roping. Also performing will be Professional Rodeo Clown, JJ Harrison https://www.facebook.com/JJHarrison811/.
Friday night’s rodeo is dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence. The rodeo will be supporting the “Man Up Crusade” with a donation to a local domestic violence shelter. Wear purple to the rodeo – Take A Stand and Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence.
On Saturday, we will be asking, “Are you Tough Enough to Wear Pink?” Wear pink to the rodeo and show your support for breast cancer awareness. The rodeo will be donating funds to Loma Linda University Hospital for breast cancer awareness.
A dance follows Friday and Saturday night’s rodeo under the big tent featuring Shotgun Jefferson, a Southern California-based country band that draws musical inspiration from its deep, groove-centric, rock and roll roots.
Sunday’s rodeo performance is dedicated to military and public safety personnel. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard out of Barstow will be posting the colors, followed by a moment of silence before the start of the event. The rodeo will be donating to The Sheriff’s Athletic Federation in support of their mission to improve the health and quality of life for law enforcement personnel and the community.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has a tradition of being composed of great horsemen.
In 1909, Sheriff John C. Ralphs led a posse in the hunt for Paiute Indian “Willie Boy,” who was wanted for murder. The posse caught up with the fugitive in the Old Woman Springs area. It is believed that Willie Boy committed suicide rather than be taken alive.
Another excellent cowboy sheriff was Floyd Tidwell.
Tidwell’s father was Alla Power Tidwell, a rancher.
Young Floyd Tidwell worked on the family farm in the area near Big Bear Lake.
As an adolescent and young adult, Tidwell had cowboyed with Kendall Stone, who would later go on to become San Bernardino County undersheriff.
After Floyd Tidwell graduated from Big Bear High School with the Class of 1948. began with the department under Jim Stocker in 1950 as “extra help.” It was during the tenure of Eugene Mueller as San Bernardino County sheriff that Tidwell was hired as a deputy upon the recommendation of Kendall Stone.
Tidwell competed in rodeos, as a roper and riding bulls.
He was an excellent roper. His son, Daniel “Boone” Tidwell, who had a career in the sheriff’s department himself, rising to the rank of detective, said of his father “When he was young, he won his share of rodeo prizes. He was a skilled roper, although I won’t lie to you, I was a better roper than he was.”
In addition to being sheriff, Floyd Tidwell operated the Shield F Ranch, a cattling concern located on a huge expanse of land between Lucerne Valley and Johnson Valley near the Ord Mountains. “That was were he was absolutely most at home, on horseback dealing with cows and steers,” said Boone Tidwell.
“I was probably one of the few cowboys in my family,” said Boone Tidwell. “I spent more time with my father on horseback than anyone. He loved that aspect of life. He enjoyed burro racing more than anyone I ever knew. If he was on horseback he was happy.”
Another common attraction at the Sheriff’s Rodeo is SEBA Stampede Kids’ Zone. This area is set up with children in mind with a petting zoo, bounce houses, lots of games and candy. The SEBA Stampede Kids’ Zone is sponsored by the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefits Association (SEBA) which is the union that represents deputies. Not only does SEBA provide the funding for the kids’ zone, but its members also volunteer to organize and run the area to allow for a great family environment at the rodeo.
“It is so awesome to see so many kids smiling and laughing and running around in the SEBA Stampede Kids’ Zone,” said Sheriff’s Employees Benefit Association President Sgt. Grant Ward. “We love being able to provide this area for families who attend the rodeo so they can have a safe place to bring their kids.”
Gates open at 4:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and the rodeo starts at 8:00 pm. Gates open at 2:00 pm on Sunday, and the rodeo starts at 6:00 pm. We invite you to come early, visit one of our many food vendors, grab a seat, and relax before the start of the rodeo.
Tickets to this year’s rodeo are $25 on Friday, $35 on Saturday, and only $20 on Sunday. For children 4-6 years old, tickets are only $5 (free on Sunday); children 3 years old and under are free each night. Parking is $10. Tickets are currently available on the website at www.sheriffsrodeo.com only.
Proceeds from the event continue to support the youth in our communities, with the goal of developing them into responsible citizens. Cash donations will be given to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Children’s Fund, the 4H Club of San Bernardino, the Yucaipa Equestrian Center, the California State Horsemen’s Association, Loma Linda University Hospital for breast cancer research, Man Up Crusade – bringing awareness to domestic violence, Sheriff’s Athletic Federation, and several service clubs.
The rodeo is made possible through generous donations from local businesses and organizations throughout the county such as Stater Bros. Markets. “Stater Bros. Charities is proud of its status as a longtime supporter of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo,” said Stater Bros. Charities Chairman and President Nancy Negrette. “As the event’s title sponsor this year, we are extremely happy to continue that tradition and support the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s commitment to public safety and children’s wellbeing.”
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has also contributed over the years and continues to be a top sponsor. Their invaluable support has contributed greatly to the success of the rodeo and its mission.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s P.R.C.A. Rodeo is excited to have the support of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians again this year. Chairman Darrell Mike of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians shared, “The Rodeo is a great event that we are proud to partner with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, supporting all they do for our community. We look forward to being a part of this event now and in the coming years.”
Mark your calendars for September 27th to September 29th for this year’s San Bernardino County Sheriff’s P.R.C.A. Rodeo benefitting the children of San Bernardino County.