Thousands celebrate Opening Day of 112th Clovis Rodeo

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tuesday's thunderstorms did not put a damper on opening day of the 112th Clovis rodeo.

Thousands gathered for a night of bull riding and a celebration of western culture on the first day of the five-day event.

"You never know what you're going to get in April. It could be a rainstorm one day and perfectly sunny the next," said Ben Genco, Executive Board member of the Clovis Rodeo Association.

Less than 24 hours prior to Opening Day, the arena floor inside the Clovis Rodeo grounds looked more like a puddled, muddy mess.

"Rodeo's gonna happen, rain or shine," said Genco.

Tornadoes touching down and thunder flashing across the Valley sky were not enough to keep the crowd of thousands from attending the opening day of the Clovis Rodeo on Wednesday, including first-time attendee Claire Wiliamson.

"Yesterday I was on lockdown and today I'm at the rodeo having a great time," said Clovis native and first-time rodeo participant Claire Wiliamson.

From locals to those out of state, the Clovis Rodeo offered something special, a celebration of western culture.

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"Once these bull-riders get going, you'll see the crowd cheer, throw their hats in the air. It's a good time," said Delani Cunningham. She traveled from Texas to support her bull-riding fiancée who is a competitive rider. This is her first time visiting the Clovis Rodeo.

With close to 10,000 in daily attendance, the five-day rodeo is projected to draw up to 50,000 this year.

Those kinds of crowds require a team of 700 volunteers from setup to teardown.

"There's 25 people just in the tri-tip booth alone," said Genco.

The rodeo prepares about 8,500 pounds of tri-tip for about $12 per serving.

"You get, like, at least a third of a pound of tri-tip in each one," said Genco.

When it comes to large crowds, security is paramount.

Rodeo revelers can expect to see Clovis Police officers throughout the grounds, as well as Fresno police's mounted patrol unit. Other safety measures include bag searches.

The Clovis Rodeo Association does not allow strollers, backpacks, or large cameras.

"We try to keep it as safe as we can. It's a big event and we do what we can," said Genco.

The good energy carried into the evening with the sounds of new-school country rocker Corey Kent and an electrifying drone show over the Clovis skies.

Additional drone shows will be offered on Thursday and Friday nights.

For news and weather updates, follow Christina Lopez on X and Instagram.