Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo in Beautiful Brawley, CA

It's November, so turn off the tube, rustle up the family and head down to Brawley, Ca. for an action packed western weekend. Brawley, CA is located in the Southwest corner of California, a short ninety minutes south of Palm Springs and two hours east of San Diego, CA.

The city has been partying all week with Cowboy poetry readings, Mariachi bands, chili cook-offs and other unique events enjoyed by the denizens of this small rural town that swells during this second week in November.

This annual tradition has surpassed fifty years and the organizers used the time wisely to plan out their big week. The rodeo, once held at the city's football parking lot, now proudly sports their own beautiful facility. A parade, Saturday morning, starts the weekend off lead by the glamour every rodeo offers, its royalty. Yes, young ladies that proved their mettle by riding fast, speaking clearly and charming the judges, sit atop their steeds dressed in bling and crowns, waving to the friendly crowds. They will demonstrate at each of the rodeos that their talent is more than mere beauty.

Being one of the first rodeos in the California Circuit schedule, cowboys start out the season in beautiful Brawley hoping this will be the year they make the points necessary to head to the finals in Las Vegas. Top names grace the premium sheets of both cowboys and livestock. Yes, in the rodeo world, bull and broncs proudly sport their pedigree and the top 'dogs' also make it to the big ring in Las Vegas.

There is something for the locals to cheer as the first event, the wild horse ride, utilizes the gutsy hometown boys. A rifle shot sets the action as wild, rearing, mad horses resist all efforts of domestication as the steely team muscles a saddle and rider atop an equine dynamo. The crowd cheers as these young men go for the ride of their life.

Much must be said for the professionalism of the animal handlers, the rodeo contestants and the circuits officials. Every effort is taken to protect the health and mind of these magnificent animals. These horses buck because they love to buck. They refused to be broke, or domesticated. They work for eight seconds of throwing a cowboy off their back and then eat, drink and are merry the rest of the week. The same for the bulls, these bovines are the rodeos bread and butter. They are specifically bred for power and instant action. They too, perform a few seconds of the week and then are given the best money can buy.

For more information on the Brawley Cattle Call, check out the Brawley Chamber of Commerce.

B.J.Miller