112th annual Clovis Rodeo fuels community fundraising and youth programs

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Bucking bulls and courageous cowboys have drawn crowds to the Clovis rodeo for 112 years. And over time, the annual show has become a way for the community to support itself.

"It is actually one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. It helps us with our scholarships that we hand out to Clovis Unified students," said Eric Scharton, a member of the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis Club.

The Kiwanis Club serves sizzling meals to make those scholarships possible. It's just one of dozens of fundraisers for different groups the rodeo brings in.

"They're all earning their money to put back into the community for whatever reason that is," said Chuck Rigsbee, Board Member and past President of the Clovis Rodeo.

And like the Kiwanis Club, many of the fundraisers focus on helping local children.

"It doesn't matter what it's for: It's all about the kids," said Scharton.

"I'm a Boy Scout. So we sell stuff for the rodeo and that's how we make money to go on camping trips," said Boy Scout Owen Cummins.

Many of the kids are focused, too; on giving back to the same community that's providing for them.

"Boy Scouts does a lot of service projects. So, for example, Eagle Projects, those benefit schools, churches, religious institutions, stuff like that," said Boy Scout Aaron Dominguez.

Even outside of the rodeo grounds, some businesses on the streets of Old Town Clovis benefit as well.

Mostly, the bars, where people have been lining up all week long.

But some restaurant owners who didn't want to be identified say business for them has been slow.

It's why some people say they made a point to support them, too.

"We're all about supporting the local community, and I'm a Clovis girl at heart," said Brittany Becklin, who attended the rodeo.

Sunday is the last day of the 112th annual Clovis Rodeo. Festivities start at noon.