Bringin’ it Back!
I
t’s been 42 years since Gilroy hosted a
rodeo. In its heyday the Gilroy Gymkhana
attracted top rodeo competitors and
thousands of enthusiasts. Like all good
things, this rodeo is making a comeback.
According to Eric Martin, who is spear-
heading event planning and preparation, this
summer’s event will celebrate the multi-cultural
western heritage that runs deep in Santa Clara
County. Dozens of volunteers are working
together to make it happen. “We’re bringing
back the spirit of ‘cross ranch rodeo,’” Martin
said, “with a mix of traditional rodeo events and
ranch events.”
“It’s about keeping tradition alive and honoring
South County’s agriculture and ranching lifestyle.
There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy.
Great riding, roping, and barrel racing. Great
food and wine, music and dancing, a hayride,
and other events for people to participate in,
not just be spectators.”
The first day’s primary focus is traditional
CCPRA-sanctioned Rodeo Events for serious
competitors. CCPRA (California Cowboys
Professional Rodeo Association) is the state’s
leading rodeo organization. Its members are
cowboys, cowgirls, clowns, bullfighters, judges,
and people who manage rodeo events. Most
work day jobs to pay for their rodeo passion.
Justin Fields, a local fifth-generation rancher,
is Chair of the Ranch Events, which will be held
both days and include ranch hand and horseman-
ship demonstrations.
“We have lots of FFA, 4H Club, and high
school rodeo riders in the community,” Martin
said. “Junior rodeo events will give them a chance
to compete here while their families cheer them
on. High school volunteers will also help with the
young kids. For them we’ll have a kids’ rodeo and
a petting zoo.”
The rodeo is slated for the 55-acre Furtado
Ranch, established as a dairy cattle operation
in the 1960s and now held in a family trust. Eric
Martin is married to original owner Bill Furtado’s
granddaughter Kendra.
“Bill was a huge supporter in Gilroy, always
welcoming immigrants who came here to live and
work. Sadly, he passed away last year and won’t
get to see this rodeo.”
Martin hinted that the rodeo would have a little
intrigue this year.
“A statue of World Champion Saddle Bronc
Rider Casey Tibbs and his horse War Paint was
installed on top of the James Ellis Building in
the 1950s. But when the Hall family sold that
building in 2008, the statue disappeared. Rumor
has it that Tibbs and War Paint might make an
appearance at the Gilroy Rodeo.”
For the first-time rodeo attendee, it’s a world
unto its own, and chock full of cowboy lingo.
According to Martin, “Remember in the old
spaghetti westerns, when actors called each
other buckaroo? Well, that was just a bunch
of green horn American cowboys trying to
pronounce the word vaquero!”
Gilroy Rodeo is a nonprofit organization.
Visit facebook.com/gilroyrodeo.
Good old-fashioned fun at the rodeo in 1955.
The Gilroy Gymkhana Hoosegow with a young
boy peering out from behind bars. If caught, rodeo
attendees not wearing western wear had a choice:
do the time or pay the fine! Photos taken on Monterey
Street in Gilroy, CA. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Rodeo.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
JUNE/JULY 2018
gmhtoday.com
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