Businesses profiting from the return of the California Rodeo Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The return of the California Rodeo Salinas is not only good news for rodeo fans and competitors, but also for the businesses that can profit from high-profile events like the rodeo.

Eric Phelps has been attending the Rodeo since he was a kid. These days the tradition includes his wife and kids.

"I love watching the bulls,” said Phelps. “I love seeing other people I haven't seen for a long time socializing, gathering with others. Super excited, I can't wait. It's something we do every year, it's a tradition. With COVID and everything, it's nice to have something to look forward to.

Guillermo Felix also arrived at the Salinas Sports Complex to purchase his tickets for this year's Rodeo. He's excited to attend with his family but he also says they will all be wearing masks for safety, he said. 

"We miss it. Especially since we've been locked up. And right now it seems as if we're reviving again with freedom,” said Felix. “I believe wearing a mask is going to be very important, that's what my family will be doing."

But people who attend the event are not the only ones who benefit from the rodeo. Arnulfo Ramos is the owner of El Nuevo Rancho Grande, a family-owned business that sells Western Wear. According to Ramos, sales are now on the rise especially with the Rodeo this week. Many people including families have been stopping by purchasing western attire to wear to the Rodeo, he said. 

"The rodeo brings us a very large group of customers and it always helps us financially,” Ramos. “It makes it a very good business, the numbers always go up, and normally in July with the rodeo every year, that's  when we do better.”

According to a Rodeo spokesperson, "sales are slightly down from 2019 except for Friday, which is up 14%.”