KING CITY — King City Stampede thrilled rodeo fans Feb. 27 through March 1, with three action-packed days of professional rodeo competition, youth events, shopping and community spirit.
Produced by the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation in partnership with Lone Oak Western Productions, the event drew strong attendance at every performance, highlighted by a sold-out crowd on Saturday night.
The King City Stampede was also honored as the 2025 Small Rodeo of the Year for the California Circuit in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. This distinction, voted on by rodeo peers and circuit members, recognizes the event’s “quality, organization and contribution to the California rodeo community,” according to a press release March 9.
The three-day professional rodeo featured classic fan-favorite events, including saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping and bull riding. Spectators experienced high-level competition from talented professional cowboys and cowgirls.
Youth events brought smiles and excitement to fans of all ages, with daily stick horse races and crowd-favorite mutton busting. Local junior athletes also showcased their talents in the Junior Barrel Race — qualifying through the Ashley’s Journey Barrel Bash in honor of local barrel racer Ashley Escobar — as well as the Junior Breakaway Roping competition.
Beyond the arena, attendees enjoyed a lively vendor marketplace and a wide variety of rodeo concessions, from corn dogs and tacos to baked potatoes and mini donuts.
2026 Event Champions
The 2026 King City Stampede champions include:
- All Around Cowboy: Tyler Forsberg (Fillmore, CA) – Team Roping & Tie-Down Roping
- Steer Wrestling: Stan Branco (Chowchilla, CA)
- Team Roping: Tanner James (Porterville, CA) & Trey White (Los Osos, CA)
- Saddle Bronc Riding: Jasper Frost (Browns Valley, CA)
- Tie-Down Roping: Karson Koacek (West, TX)
- Barrel Racing: Amie Grohl (Oakdale, CA)
- Breakaway Roping: Kaidyn Holland (San Luis Obispo, CA)
- Bull Riding: Cooper James (Erda, UT)
The King City Stampede is made possible through the support of sponsors. Organizers extended their sincere thanks to the companies and individuals who partnered with the event in 2026. A full list of sponsors can be found on the King City Stampede website.
“The organization also extends heartfelt appreciation to the fans and community members whose ticket purchases help ensure the continued success of this event for future,” the release stated.
For more information about the King City Stampede and the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation, visit svf-heritage-foundation.com.
