The Red Bluff Round-Up, the largest three day rodeo in the country, begins today—bringing with it over a century of western heritage, heart-pounding action and unmatched community spirit.

Established in 1921, the Red Bluff Round-Up has stood as a pillar of Western tradition and community pride for over a century. As the first Northern California rodeo to affiliate with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)—originally known as the Cowboy’s Turtle Association—the Round-Up carved its name into rodeo history early on. What began humbly as “America’s Biggest Two-Day Rodeo” has grown into one of the most iconic and highly anticipated stops on the PRCA circuit, attracting top-tier cowboys, livestock, and fans from across the nation.

The event has continually evolved while holding true to its roots. In 2000, the Round-Up introduced a new fan-favorite spectacle: the Wild Ride. Unlike any other rodeo event, the Wild Ride brings together elite roughstock riders dressed in outrageous and imaginative costumes—from superheroes to outlaws and everything in between. This high-octane contest doesn’t just test the cowboy’s grit and skill; it challenges their flair and showmanship. Riders compete for points based on their ride as well as their ability to entertain, making the Wild Ride a can’t-miss tradition that blends rodeo toughness with theatrical fun.

Red Bluff’s reputation as a legendary venue was solidified in 1988 during one of the most iconic matchups in rodeo history—the Challenge of Champions. In front of a packed grandstand and roaring crowd, World Champion bull rider Lane Frost faced off against Red Rock, the undefeated 1987 PRCA Bull of the Year. This stop was one of only seven times the two would meet in what became a mythical man-versus-beast rivalry. That ride in Red Bluff wasn’t just a competition; it was a moment that captured the spirit of the sport, honoring the courage, respect, and tradition that defines rodeo.

Today, the Red Bluff Round-Up continues to celebrate the Western way of life with the same grit and glory it was founded on. With each passing year, it remains not only a highlight on the PRCA calendar but a cherished gathering where legends are made, history is honored, and the cowboy spirit lives on.

Only a select few rodeos have reached the milestone of 100 years. Red Bluff proudly joined that elite group in 2021, and Resistol is honored to continue supporting this tradition-rich event that celebrates the true spirit of rodeo.