I’m Sara Newham Johnston, and I’ve had the privilege of coordinating the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo flag program for the past 20 years. My journey with the San Bernardino County sheriffs began when the late Floyd Tidwell and Greg Foster approached me with a simple request: “Can you help coordinate the rodeo sponsor flags this year?” That “yes” turned into a lifelong passion and an incredible community of volunteers.
I bring over two decades of energized leadership to the world of rodeo performance and coordination. My personal journey began in 1999 when I joined the Hesperia Wranglers Drill Team—and that same year I was honored to be crowned the 2000 Rocking Bar h Rodeo Queen.
At the 2000 Rocking Bar H Rodeo, I represented the Rocking Bar H Rodeo as Rodeo Queen, rode with the Hesperia Wranglers drill team, and performed as a flag girl.
From 2001 until the rodeo’s retirement, I proudly served as the Hesperia Rocking Bar h Rodeo Committee Member, and then learning to become Rodeo Queen Coordinator, 2003 became Rodeo Flag Coordinator Building a Dedicated Team:
From day one, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside remarkable individuals:
Samantha Brooks - has been my steadfast partner on the ground, ensuring every flag is perfectly placed.
Carol Cronk - has kept me company throughout my equestrian adventures, and on schedule in the arena.
Erin Grace, and Jim and Neila Swayne have supported our mission for over a decade.
Together, we recruit, mentor, and empower 14 to 20 volunteer flag girls every year. All rodeo flag girls attend tryouts and practices to ensure every flag girl is confident, prepared, and ready to shine.
Over the last quarter century, I’ve had the honor of working with hundreds of talented women of all ages who cover the cost of their own tack, equipment, attire, and travel expenses to represent our rodeo with pride.
Our flag team brings color and ceremony to every segment of the show:
Grand Entry - We present 25–30 flags, followed by the presentation of the National Anthem and a stirring patriotic poem.
Event Sponsor Flags - We deploy 3–5 sponsor flags in a hot lap fashion before each event, highlighting the businesses that support our rodeo.
Halftime Sponsor Appreciation - We coordinate a special presentation featuring an average of 30 flags to honor our sponsors’ generosity.
Community Flags - We proudly display the colors of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and the Challenge Children’s Rodeo, celebrating their contributions to youth leadership, as well as flags representing stopping domestic violence, and finding a cure for breast cancer.
I’m passionate about mentoring young women, creating seamless show-quality performances, and keeping the rich tradition of Rodeo alive and thriving.
My goal is to bring professionalism, precision, and excitement to every performance, we strive to showcase the best of San Bernardino County’s rich western heritage.
Every rodeo brings new challenges and rewards. I’m driven by the energy of opening night, the camaraderie of our volunteers, and the smiles on riders’ faces as they enter the arena under a sea of flags. My mission remains simple: to honor our community, celebrate our sponsors, and inspire the next generation of rodeo flag girls. Thank you for joining us under the lights of the rodeo and the banners of tradition and teamwork!