MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – The 94th Annual Maxwell High School Rodeo on May 17 brought the familiar excitement and festivities to the small Colusa County community.
This beloved event, deeply rooted in local tradition, featured a variety of activities that drew families and friends together to celebrate the spirit of competition. A lively parade, showcasing local organizations, sports teams, tiny dancers, walking groups, and equestrian participants adorned in boots and cowboy hats, made their way through the small town as onlookers cheered, creating a warm atmosphere of community pride.
Although the highlight of the parade has typically been the wild antics of the Maxwell Volunteer Firefighters Association, four crop dusters flying over the event in perfect formation at the beginning of the parade was awe inspiring, organizers said.
“It was special,” said Kyle Miller, the longtime parade director. “I think everyone really enjoyed it.”
Following the parade, attendees flocked to the vendor fair and food trucks, where local artisans and businesses sold their wares. Art enthusiasts were not left out; the art show highlighted creative works from talented students, adding a cultural touch to the festivities. The longtime bench press competition benefited the Sonny Soto Memorial Scholarship fund. The scholarship honors 1998 Colusa High School Graduate Sonny Soto, the first Maxwell Rodeo bench press champion, who died in 2006 serving America overseas.
Also keeping with tradition, the fun and quirky frog jumping competition brought laughter and excitement to children and adults alike, as contestants cheered on their amphibious friends as they raced to the finish line.
More than 350 antique and classic vehicles, reverberating with nostalgia and innovation, were staged throughout the football field and campus, allowing car owners to share their pride and craftsmanship.
Mike Meier, of Esparto, made his third appearance at the Maxwell Rodeo with a 1969 Opel GT race car.
Meier is part of a “Tiny Vet” group to race in the annual 25 Hour Lemons Race at Thunderhill Raceway, in Willows, a quirky play off the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a prestigious annual endurance race held at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.
“This car has been racing since 2010 and will be racing in the Lemons again later this month,” Meier said. “We start at 11 on Saturday (May 31) and finish at noon on Sunday.”
Maxwell Rodeo events, from grand entry to final chute, aimed to inspire young children to engage in rodeo traditions.
Caitlin White, 10, made her first showing at the Maxwell Rodeo on a 14-year-old Appaloosa firecracker named Sticky, who ran her to first place in the single stake in just over 11 seconds, separating her from her friend River Chatham, of Maxwell, whose family invited the Whites to attend.
“I’ve been riding since I was four,” said White, the daughter of Jeff and Brandy White, of Corning.
Caitlin said she has competed in gymkhana events previously in Orland and Cattle Days in Corning but is looking forward to returning to Maxwell next year when the rodeo celebrates its 95th installment.
“The Maxwell Rodeo is the last free rodeo in all of the western United States,” said Announcer Tim Gomes.
According to organizers, the rodeo, including belt buckle prizes, is funded through donations and run by volunteers, school staff, and students.
With various events such as sheep riding, barrel racing, cow riding, and team roping, the Maxwell Rodeo exemplified the joy of hard work and the enduring spirit of the community.
“A lot of work goes into this event,” said Randy Wilson, Maxwell resident, longtime car show organizer, and newest member of the Colusa County Board of Supervisors. “It’s not just the work of adults but all the students.”