Stop by for a meet and greet and fun photo ops!

Meet Miss California Rodeo Salinas at Old Fisherman's Wharf This Thursday

Rachel Lancaster and Maddi Borland to Sign Autographs and Pose for Photos; Western Performers Will Roberts and Jonny Hotshot Visit Friday

SALINAS, Calif. – As excitement builds for the 116th California Rodeo Salinas, fans on the Monterey Peninsula will have two opportunities to experience the spirit of the West at Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.

On Thursday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2025 Rachel Lancaster and newly crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026 Maddi Borland will greet visitors, sign autographs, pose for photos, and invite the community to attend this year's California Rodeo Salinas. The appearance will take place at Old Fisherman's Wharf, 201 Washington Street, Monterey.

Rachel Lancaster has proudly represented the California Rodeo Salinas over the past year, serving as an ambassador for one of the nation's premier rodeos at events throughout California and beyond. She recently passed the crown to Maddi Borland, who was recently crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026 and will spend the coming year promoting the Rodeo, agriculture, Western heritage, and the Salinas community.

Then on Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the fun continues as fan-favorite Western entertainers Will Roberts and Johnny Hotshot bring their unique brand of cowboy entertainment to the Wharf. Visitors can enjoy trick roping demonstrations, comedy, audience interaction, and plenty of Western fun while learning more about the California Rodeo Salinas.

"Old Fisherman's Wharf is the perfect place to share the excitement of Big Week with visitors and locals alike," said Mandy Linquist, Marketing Director for the California Rodeo Salinas. "Whether you're meeting our rodeo queens or watching Will Roberts and Johnny Hotshot entertain the crowd, it's a great opportunity to experience a taste of the California Rodeo before heading to the Salinas Sports Complex."

Get full event details and purchase tickets at carodeo.com.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS

The 116th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 16-19, 2026. As a not-for-profit organization, the California Rodeo Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the Western way of life while fostering community involvement and cultural heritage. The Association supports local nonprofits and community groups through its annual Rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas Sports Complex. In 2025, these efforts generated over $856,000 for local organizations.

For more information, visit www.CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at (831) 775-3100.