By Dee Yates
CLEMENTS, Calif. — The Clements Stampede has been selected as the official host of the 2026 Boot Barn PRCA California Circuit Finals, bringing a true championship rodeo to San Joaquin County on October 23, 24, and 25, 2026, at the Clements Buckaroos Arena.
The announcement is a defining moment for a rodeo that began in 1942 as a wartime fundraiser, ran for nearly seven decades, paused for fifteen years, and was revived by community volunteers in 2025. In just its second year back in the saddle, Clements has been entrusted with the championship event of the entire California circuit — and the right to send its winners on to the national stage.
“My grandparents helped to build these grounds and my grandpa Jack Granlees was one of the founding members of the first Stampede. My dad, Ray Engel, was the rodeo chairman for many years. This community has always had a passion for the Stampede and now we can bring the community together again and showcase the top Professional Cowboys and Cowgirls in California.” — Rayanne Currin, Co-Chair, Clements Stampede Rodeo Committee
A True Championship Rodeo
The PRCA California Circuit Finals is the year-end championship of one of thirteen regional circuits established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1975. The 2026 Stampede event will feature:
The Top 12 in California — the highest-ranked Professional Cowboys and Cowgirls in eight events, qualified from PRCA rodeos across the state. A three-round championship format — with titles decided by both round average and year-end standings. A direct path to the national stage — the average champion and year-end champion in each event earn a spot at the NFR Open in Colorado Springs each July. World standings implications — earnings count toward PRCA world standings and potential qualification for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Premier stock — top contractors from across California, including bucking stock with NFR selections to their name. All six PRCA and two WPRA events — bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, and barrel racing.
A Celebration of Western Heritage — and a Community Giving Back
The Stampede is built on volunteerism and local sponsorship, with proceeds reinvested into the community, facility improvements to the historic Buckaroo Grounds, and to maintain long-term sustainability of the event. The Circuit Finals is expected to draw competitors, fans, and families from across California, boosting tourism and local business throughout San Joaquin County and the surrounding region.
The 2026 Stampede reflects California’s deep agricultural roots and rodeo tradition — and the values of the rural communities that continue to support the Western way of life.
Saddle Up — How to Be Part of It
Tickets and information are available at www.clementsstampede.com. Follow the Clements Stampede on Facebook and Instagram for announcements, behind-the-chutes content, and event updates leading up to October.
About the Clements Stampede
Founded in 1942 by three friends in a Clements country store as a fundraiser for U.S. Marines during World War II, the Clements Stampede ran for 68 years before going on hiatus in 2011. Revived in 2025 by the Clements Stampede Rodeo Committee and the all-volunteer Clements Buckaroos organization, the Stampede is dedicated to preserving Western heritage, supporting youth, and honoring the agricultural traditions of San Joaquin County. The Clements Buckaroo Grounds are located at 19813 E. Highway 88, Clements, CA 95227.
— Tyla Daries, Co-Chair, Clements Stampede Rodeo Committee
The 2026 Boot Barn PRCA California Circuit Finals will be hosted by the Clements Stampede at the Clements Buckaroos Arena in Clements, California (San Joaquin County), October 23–25, 2026.
The PRCA California Circuit Finals is the year-end championship of the California circuit, one of thirteen regional circuits established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1975. It features the top 12 ranked cowboys and cowgirls in eight events, with average and year-end champions earning a spot at the NFR Open in Colorado Springs.
The Clements Stampede was founded in 1942 by three friends in a Clements country store as a fundraiser for U.S. Marines during World War II. It ran for 68 years before going on hiatus in 2011 and was revived in 2025 by community volunteers. Hosting the 2026 California Circuit Finals comes in just its second year back.
Tickets and information are available at clementsstampede.com, with updates posted on the Clements Stampede’s Facebook and Instagram pages ahead of the October 23–25, 2026 event.
