The rich traditions of the Santa Ynez Valley will be on full display this weekend as the Old Santa Ynez Days celebration returns, featuring a parade on Saturday morning and a major rodeo event. The seventh annual rodeo, organized by the Santa Ynez Valley Western Heritage Foundation, will take place on the Chumash San Carlos Property off Highway 246.
The event has grown rapidly and now boasts one of the top prize packages in California, attracting elite riders from across the country.
Kevin Murphy, president of the foundation, highlighted the rodeo's rising status. 'We are number six in California for prize money, which is big.
We are one of the fastest growing rodeos right now. All the top cowboys and cowgirls really look forward to coming, and we have heard them say this is one of the better rodeos in California.
We are proud of that,' Murphy said. He noted that riders often pivot to Santa Ynez if they do not make finals elsewhere, or specifically plan their schedules to include this event as they move on to other competitions.
Cody Murphy, Kevin's son, emphasized the importance of preserving the western heritage. 'The legacy of the rodeo in the valley and the western way of life – it is important.
It is up to us to carry the torch and ensure the younger generation experiences it. Even if they don't live on a ranch, this rodeo is one of the ways to bring that to you,' he said.
Proceeds from the rodeo support agricultural programs at Santa Ynez High School and initiatives that serve children with cancer and their families. The events run Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, visit the Old Santa Ynez Days website.