California Rodeo Salinas returns with new event, COVID-19 precautions
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The rodeo grounds in Salinas are shifting from being a COVID-19 vaccination site for farmworkers during the pandemic, to welcoming competitors to the 2021 California Rodeo Salinas.
Organizers say there will be significantly less competitors this time around for spectators to cheer for. Those same spectators will see some changes due to the pandemic.
Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the facility this year and complimentary masks will be handed out at the entrances to indoor facilities.
"The county does have the indoor mask mandate for unvaccinated individuals. We only have a few indoor areas, but we will provide masks, complimentary masks and also have signage at the gates. And we encourage everyone, obviously, if you're feeling sick, stay home," said Mandy Linquist, Marketing Manager for California Rodeo Salinas.
Servers will be wearing masks in indoor areas as well.
Rodeo staff members said there will be no requirement for proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to enter the venue and there is no limit on the amount of people entering the rodeo grounds.
The Rodeo officially kicked off this weekend with the Kiddie Kapers Parade, and now, competitors, vendors and organizers are preparing to welcome back guests.
"We typically have an $11 million economic impact. Then for nonprofits in 2019, we donated $535,000 to them. And to not have that was just devastating for everyone and sad," said Linquist.
This year, Salinas is the final stop on the circuit before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this December. Almost $1 million in prize money is up for grabs, and this year, Salinas is adding a new event: the Women’s Breakaway Roping competition.
"This is the first year they've ever had Breakaway. So this is all of our first year to actually compete here. I’m excited to be here, very excited to be here. It's always exciting to get to come visit California," said Taylor Munsell, who is competing at the California Rodeo Salinas for the first time.
For more information on COVID-precautions at the California Rodeo Salinas, Click Here.
You can also purchase tickets online here.
