PETER STERLING 2025 Letter from the President
Howdy Rodeo Fans,
We welcome you to your Santa Maria Elks Rodeo 82nd Anniversary! Rodeo is a unique sport that grew out of the old west. The cattle ranchers used horses to work their stock, and they developed techniques to separate their cattle, rope, tie and brand the calves. Much of what we see today is still being used at branding time on our local ranches. I have fond memories, as a child, of going to my friends ranch in Springville, California, where
branding time was particularly special. While the ranch hands were rounding up the cattle, my friends and I would hop on a calf and see how long we could stay on before falling off. It was a blast!! Rodeo is not only enjoyable to watch, but it plays a very important role in promoting the Western Lifestyle, that promotes the love for God, Family and Country. It’s a privilege for the Elks Recreation Board of Directors and myself to bring this experience to you. This year’s rodeo performances you will see this year did not happen by themselves. Rodeo planning requires several hundred volunteers who literally donate thousands of man-hours to put together this four-day event. The rails had to be painted, weeds cleared, arena grounds prepared, welding, digging, cleaning, maintaining, landscaping and much, much more all done by selfless volunteers. Rodeo not only plays an important role in providing our community a form of family entertainment, it also is instrumental in providing funds to charities through our Rodeo Queen Contest. This brings the total funds raised to over $17 million. The funds are raised by local charities to assist with youth programs, sports, scholarships, homeless veterans and a countless list of other projects that are used for the betterment of our community. I would like to thank you for coming out and being a part of the family tradition of Rodeo. We promise you an exciting event, and a good time for all! Peter Sterling, President, Elks Recreation, Inc.
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