Pro Rodeo Hidden Gem in California Foothills
By Dee Yates
Photos by: Kathy Scutt
The 66th Annual Mother Lode Round-Up, presented by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse, returns to Sonora, California on May 10–11, 2025, bringing the action of professional rodeo and the charm of small-town tradition to the Mother Lode. Sanctioned by the PRCA, this event draws more than 350 of the top rodeo athletes in the nation and over 20,000 spectators, making it one of California’s largest and most celebrated rodeos.
The history of rodeo in Tuolumne County stretches all the way back to 1850, when round-ups were a necessary part of ranching life. By 1916, Sonora hosted its first formal rodeo, which would see ups and downs through the following decades. In 1949, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse stepped in to help guide the event’s future. In 1958, they established the Mother’s Day weekend as the permanent home for the Round-Up—thanks to early benefactor Mrs. Jonathan Crooks. Today, the Mother Lode Round-Up Parade is the second largest in California, behind only the Rose Parade, and continues to serve as a homecoming for families across the region.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 10, with the famous Mother Lode Round-Up Parade at 10:00 AM, followed by the first day of PRCA rodeo action at 2:00 PM at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Events include Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and Xtreme Bronc Riding.
On Sunday, May 11, the excitement continues with the Kiddie Rodeo starting at 12:30 PM, followed by the second full performance of the PRCA Rodeo at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for pre-sale tickets through queen contestants, $10 for children ages 7–12, and free for kids under 7.
The Mother Lode Fairgrounds will showcase two days of world-class rodeo action, featuring bareback riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. PRCA cowboys and cowgirls will compete for championship buckles and cash prizes in front of a high-energy crowd.
Festivities kick off with the Mother Lode Round-Up Parade on Saturday, May 11, at 10:00 AM, featuring equestrian teams, marching bands, rodeo royalty, and floats that celebrate the region’s Western heritage. The rodeo follows at 2:00 PM at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, with another full day of competition on Sunday, May 12, also beginning at 2:00 PM. The Kiddie Rodeo takes place Sunday at 12:30 PM, giving young cowboys and cowgirls a chance to take part in the action. Tickets are available for $25 for adults, with pre-sale discounts at $20. Tickets for children ages 7 to 12 are $10, and admission is free for kids under 7.
In addition to the rodeo, the weekend features the Rodeo Queen Pageant, the beloved Mother’s Day Breakfast, a Western dance, and community favorite kids’ events including Mutton Bustin’, Boot Races, and the Stick Horse Race.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse, founded in 1948, continues to support the community through youth programs, scholarships, and local events. For tickets and more information, visit motherloderoundup.com. Don’t miss this chance to be part of one of California’s longest-running and most heartwarming rodeo traditions.
