More than just an event, Fortuna's rodeo is a week-long series of exciting Westernflavored events. The whole town goes rodeo-crazy, and for a week each year Fortuna becomes a living part of the wild West. (Okay, without drunken gunfighters shooting up the town — so not that wild.)
Here is a brief overview of just some of the many activities: Rodeo Week starts early with the Fortuna Rodeo 5K Run / Walk presented by Six Rivers Running Club on the Sunday before Rodeo Week. On Monday the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce sponsors a huge Chili Cookoff all along Main Street, with FREE admission and chili tasting! Tuesday evening Children's Games, also free, at Redwood Village Shopping Center. Activities include wax hands, face-painting, sidewalk chalk, Fireman's muster and a Westernthemed kid's costume contest. Wednesday the carnival opens, and continues through the rest of the week. Also on Wednesday and Thursday, the largest Jr. Rodeo in Northern California, with the biggest cash prizes and free admission to all events, takes place. Friday brings the “Bullfighters Only” event, Quadiators and Live Music. Saturday starts off with a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, followed by the Parade, one of the biggest highlights of Rodeo Week. The parade starts at 12 noon on Main Street downtown and ends on Fortuna Boulevard at Smith Lane. Saturday night the spotlight turns to Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews. Sunday at 11am, a crew of volunteers serves up a ton — no, make that two tons (4,000 lbs.) — of barbecued beef, along with mountains of potato salad, rolls and beans!
And then, there is the Rodeo itself, on Saturday and Sunday. 2022 will mark the 101st Fortuna Rodeo, making it one of the oldest rodeos in the state as well as the largest in Northern California. Events include Breakaway Roping, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding.
WHERE: Rohner Park Rodeo Grounds, Main Street, and elsewhere in Fortuna
MORE INFO: FortunaRodeo.com
