Santa Maria Elks Rodeo  May 30 - June 2, 2013
Cost: $20 - 30  smelksrodeo.org  Tickets  (805) 922-6006.

Elks Parade - Saturday June 1, 2013, 9 a.m. on Broadway St.
Broadway between Fesler and Enos, Santa Maria, CA

SANTA MARIA, CALIF. -- The Santa Maria Elks Parade includes over 200 entries with marching bands, majorettes, color guards, floats, Santa Maria, California

The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is a 3-4 day extravaganza that is held each year at the Elks-Unocal Event Center in Santa Maria, California. Elks Rodeo and Parade was founded in 1948 and is part of the Elks Lodge No. 1538, Santa Maria, CA. Now nationally recognized as Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, is often broadcast on ESPN, and over 100,000 spectators each year.

During each three-hour  performance there are six adrenaline-rushing PRCA events, including bull and bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, WPRA barrel racing, local team roping, and mutton bustin'. Bull riders, barrelmen and stock contractors are a unique breed you won't want to miss.

The Queen contest raises funds for youth recreation during an intensive six-week program in which female contestants coordinate barbeques, dances, car washes, food and bake sales, auctions to raise money for good causes, and  Santa Maria Valley  non-profit organizations sponsor queen candidates as part of the program.

All efforts related to Elks activities and fundraising is the result of volunteers. More than 1,300 volunteers work on 60 committees producing an annual parade, rodeo, queen contest, beard-a-reno contest, a mini rodeo, press luncheons, an allocations committee, concerts, dances, barbeques, banquets, awards, scholarships, a Contestant Center, a VIP Center, a Go-Rodeo Days Contest, and a rodeo kick-off banquet and auction.