The Rodeo Story

Rodeos have been part of the San Bernardino landscape since 1957. For years, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has brought this exciting tradition to the Inland Empire in what has quickly become one of the most outstanding western sporting events in Southern California. Each year the association strives to create a bigger and better rodeo that truly exemplifies the thrilling excitement of the Old West.

Changing times saw the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Benefit Rodeo disappear in 1974 to the dismay of rodeo lovers everywhere. But with the dawn of the new century, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is proud to bring back this classic event, bigger and better than it ever was.

Through the generous support of community sponsors and the dedication of Rodeo volunteers and association members, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo is an opportunity for visitors to experience the “rough-and-tumble” ways of cowboy life along with wholesome family entertainment.

The Rodeo has come a long way since its beginning in 1957. Today the Rodeo not only includes the blood tingling excitement of bull riding, calf roping and saddle bronc riding, but also family entertainment also includes the mechanical bull, rock climbing, pony rides and a petting zoo.

Each year, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Benefit Rodeo nominates a Rodeo Queen to represent and promote the rodeo. Past Queens have included local residents such as Leslie Wheeler of Fontana and Linda Tillman from Yucaipa. The reigning Rodeo Queen will work to promote the rodeo throughout the year.

Welcome from the Chairman

I would like to warmly welcome all our rodeo fans.

The rodeo will once again have top-ranked men and women of the PRCA and WPRA competing against each other for the glory of winning our rodeo. With the Sheriff ’s Rodeo being the richest 3-day rodeo in Southern California, we pride ourselves on knowing we often have cowboys or cowgirls that may make it to the Wrangler National Final Rodeo (WNFR) because of the money they won at our rodeo.

The Sheriff ’s Rodeo will continue to support our local youth programs, volunteer units, and community organizations by donating proceeds from the rodeo.

I want to say, “Thank You” for attending the 2023 San Bernardino Sheriff ’s PRCA Rodeo. I invite everyone to “Saddle Up” and enjoy the ride as you get some Western heritage and a tremendous professional rodeo event.

~Sam Fisk, Rodeo Chairman