MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – From frog jumping to cowhide races, there will be something for everyone at the 94th annual Maxwell High School Rodeo on Saturday.
Thousands are expected to converge on the small Colusa County town when Maxwell celebrates Stars, Stripes, and Rodeo Nights in 2025.
“This is a genuine step back in time to a small-town event,” said Randy Wilson, who has organized the “best little free car show in the world” for the past 28 years.
The Maxwell Rodeo Parade will step off at 9:45 with floats, decorated vehicles, walking groups, Jeep Brigade, and dozens of classic cars, led by a color guard, grand marshal, and Maxwell High School Royalty.
Leah Pearson has been named the 2025 Maxwell High School Rodeo Queen.
Pearson, a senior, is the daughter of Lem and Lisa Pearson, of Maxwell. For the past two years, she has served as Rodeo Princess. She is also involved in FFA, where she was elected historian, and is the varsity cheerleading co-captain.
Pearson’s hobbies include Jeep rides in the hills, hunting, and playing with her nieces and nephews, but when her thoughts turn to rodeo, she says Maxwell is in it for the long haul.
“It’s an amazing tradition that I’m lucky to represent and I hope it continues for many years to come,” Pearson said.
Jessie Edwards, a senior at Maxwell High School, is serving once again as the Rodeo Chairman.
Edwards, the son of Slim and Cristy Edwards, of Williams, is also involved in FFA. He enjoys riding horses, branding calves, and riding motorcycles.
Edwards believes the Maxwell Rodeo is a time when everyone comes together and has a wonderful time.
“I am grateful to be a part of this Maxwell tradition,” Edwards said.
Tayler Chambers, a junior, is this year’s Rodeo Princess.
Chambers is the daughter of Kurt Chambers and the late Stephanie Bertoldo.
In addition to rodeo, Tayler is involved in FFA and is a member of the varsity cheerleading team. A few of her interests include riding horses, babysitting, and hanging out with Pearson and Edwards.
“Rodeo is my favorite tradition; it is something I have looked forward to since I was a little girl,” Chambers said. “My dad always made sure I could ride in the fire truck with him during the parade. That was always my favorite part – now, it’s a memory I’ll never forget.”
Quinn Monroe, a junior, serves as Assistant Rodeo Chairman.
Monroe is the son of Nic Monroe and Aricka Azevedo. When he is not participating in the Maxwell Rodeo, Monroe is involved in FFA or competing with the school golf team.
His extracurricular activities include hunting, fishing, and hanging out with friends. Monroe’s thoughts on the rodeo: “I think it is a great way to continue traditions of how things were done in the past during a time when the world is too reliant on technology.”
The 2025 Grand Marshal is John Kearth, whose connection to the Maxwell High School Rodeo dates to the mid-1960s when he first became involved as a young boy.
Kearth rode in the rodeo as a kid and, upon entering high school, joined the rodeo committee, where he played an integral role in maintaining the arena and assisting wherever needed.
Kearth was selected Grand Marshal for his decades-long dedication to the Maxwell and the rodeo, where he served as announcer for 34 years. He has been a volunteer firefighter for the Maxwell Fire Department for 22 years, often taking part in the rodeo parade with his fellow comedic actors. Additionally, he dedicated 11 years as the resident deputy in Maxwell for the Colusa County Sheriff’s Department, further exemplifying his commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.
There is no entrance fee to the rodeo or car show. The event is backed by the Rodeo Committee, Maxwell High students, and local sponsors from Colusa County, organizers said.
The festivities will begin with the 3K Bull Run at 8 a.m. at the corner of Highway 99 and Oak Street. Registration on the day of the event is $20. The horse show, car show, art show, and vendor fair at the high school will get underway around 11 a.m.
Wilson said about 300 classic and antique cars will be on display on the football field, where parking will be under the direction of the “tuxedo crew.”
“This is the original free car show of Northern California,” Wilson said. “The first car show in 1997 had five cars.”
In addition to multiple awards being handed out to car show participants, visitors to the car show will have the opportunity to win about 60 raffle prizes.
The frog jumping contest starts at noon.
Following the grand entry of the rodeo royalty and grand marshal, rodeo events will include barrel racing, boot race, mystery scramble, sheep riding, steer riding, cow and saddle cow riding, open team roping, goat tying, among other traditional and memorial events.