Item No. 11.
STAFF REPORT
DATE:
September 14, 2026
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED
Megan Wolfe, Director of Community Services
BY:
SUBJECT: 2026 Rodeo Wrap -Up
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Receive and file the 2026 Rodeo Wrap -Up Report; or
2. Provide further direction to staff.
BACKGROUNDIDISCUSSION:
The 2026 Yucaipa Rodeo was successfully held on May 15 and 16, 2026, at the Yucaipa Equestrian Center. The annual event continued Yucaipa's tradition of celebrating its western and equestrian heritage while providing a family -friendly entertainment experience for residents and visitors.
The two-day rodeo featured bull riding, mutton busting, saddle bronc and bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and specialty entertainment. In addition to the rodeo performances, attendees enjoyed food and merchandise vendors and opportunities to engage with each other.
Attendance remained strong, with approximately 3,000 attendees on Friday and 4,000 attendees on Saturday, for a total estimated attendance of 7,000 over the two-day event. Attendee response was positive, with the Yucaipa Equestrian Arena Committee receiving favorable feedback regarding the quality of the rodeo and overall event experience.
The Yucaipa Rodeo is made possible through the dedication of the Yucaipa Equestrian Arena Committee, whose members contribute significant time and effort to the planning and execution of the event. Support was also provided by Public Works, the Yucaipa Police Department, the Yucaipa Fire Department, and event sponsors. This collaborative effort helped ensure a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for spectators, participants, vendors, and volunteers.
The 2026 Rodeo also benefited from significant community and business support. Sponsorships totaled approximately $138,000, consisting of $68,000 in cash sponsorships and $70,000 in in -kind contributions. Parking operations generated approximately $19,000, with additional revenue generated through admissions and vendor participation. Revenue from the event supports future rodeo operations, improvements to the Yucaipa Equestrian Center, and an annual payment to the City to help offset facility maintenance and utility costs.
Under the current agreement, the Committee provides the City with an annual payment of $5,000 toward these costs. The Committee has agreed to increase its annual contribution by $2,500, for a total annual payment of $7,500. Staff will work with the Committee President to prepare and execute an amendment to the existing agreement reflecting the increased contribution.
Beyond its financial impact, the Yucaipa Rodeo continues to serve as one of the City's signature community events. The 2027 Rodeo is set to take place on May 14 and 15.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommendations do not result in a fiscal impact.