MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – Hundreds of people flocked to Maxwell on Saturday, May 18, for the 93rd running of the annual high school rodeo.
The event began with its traditional parade of riding groups, cars and trucks, marching bands, and decorated floats carrying sports teams and various organizations, including the popular American Legion Auxiliary, who never fail to take home a top prize, and the 2024 Miss Colusa County and Mini Miss contestants.
A live performance was given during the parade by Stardust Dance, who embraced the 2024 theme “Round up the Herd, it’s our 93rd.”
The never politically correct Maxwell Fire Department played off the 2024 presidential election with “Make Maxwell Great Again” with a comedic ode to leaving Joe behind.
Frank Huffmaster served as the Grand Marshal, driving himself and wife, Helen, in the parade his 1956 Pontiac show car, as he has done for more than 20 years.
Huffmaster’s family settled in western Colusa County in 1881. He is a longtime member and Sunday School teacher at Maxwell Baptist Church and is a committed and active member of the Maxwell community.
Rodeo royalty included 2024 Rodeo Queen Ava Barrett.
Barrett is the daughter of Kurt and Deanna Barret. She is a senior at Maxwell High School, where she played volleyball, basketball, and softball. She has been involved in FFA, showing steers at the Colusa County Fair, along with being a cheerleader and an officer with Future Business Leaders of America.
“I have been coming to the rodeo since I was a little girl,” Barrett said. “It is an event that I always look forward to every year. To me, it isn’t just a rodeo, it is a day that the whole community gets to come together and have a good time.”
The 2024 Rodeo Princesses were Leah Pearson and Lylah Barrett.
Pearson is the daughter of Lem and Lisa Pearson. The junior at Maxwell High School is involved in FFA and varsity cheerleading. She also enjoys hunting and riding horses and said rodeo is her favorite tradition in Maxwell.
“I love how everybody in the community helps to make it happen,” Pearson said.
Pearson competed Saturday in the cowhide race with her father.
Lylah Barrett, Ava’s younger sister, is a sophomore and is involved in multiple sports. She also competes in District 2 high school rodeo and is involved in FFA, serving this past year as treasurer. She competed Saturday in the calf scramble, pole bending, and barrel racing.
Jessie (Barnard) Edwards, a junior, served his second consecutive term as Rodeo Chairman. Edwards is the son of Slim and Cristy Edwards and is involved in FFA. He enjoys riding horses and motorcycles.
Contestants of all ages competed in several rodeo events throughout the day, including the Mystery Scramble, Sheep Riding, Calf Scramble, Saddle Cow Riding, Ranch Roping, Barrel Racing, and cow riding.
The 27th Maxwell Classic Car Show, billed as the best little free car show in the world, brought in about 250 entries from all over Northern California. The highlight of the car show was a rare Indianapolis 500 pace car and a 1952 Chevy pickup that won the Best of Class award at the Sacramento Autorama, one of the oldest hot rod, custom car, and motorcycle expositions in the U.S.
In addition to the parade and rodeo, the festivities included a 5K Bull Run, Vendor Fair, Bench Press competition, Frog Derby, and Art Show.
The student body and staff of Maxwell High School host the event annually, with the help of various community members. Randy Wilson organized the 26th annual car show; Bill Barrett Jr. was the parade announcer; Tim Gomes was the rodeo announcer.