MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - For many in the Yuba-Sutter community, the Marysville Stampede is an annual tradition - a tradition that helps celebrate the great American West. From bucking broncos to backflipping motorcycles and barrel racing queens, this past weekend spectators were treated to a show with nearly a century's worth of history behind it.

But where did the rodeo get its start? For that answer we must head further south and back to the 18th century when Spanish ranchers started introducing their cattle wrangling and bullfighting practices to the resident Mexican ranch hands known as vaqueros. The term "rodeo" itself comes from the Spanish word “rodear” which means to encircle or round up. It was simply a way of life, keeping herds in check and pulling select animals for care or distribution.

The rodeo games we know today evolved from the informal gatherings where groups of ranchers or vaqueros would entertain themselves by seeing who could lasso the fastest or tame the wildest horse. By a matter of human nature and curiosity, these gatherings soon drew a crowd and slowly began taking on more structure. Eventually, American cowboys were pulled into the mix as the United States continued to expand its territory. What resulted was a rough and wild carnival type atmosphere that has steeped itself into the fabric of the American continents.

Now, each year contestants across the country compete for the highest scores in divisions such as Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and more. Crowd favorites tend to include Mutton Busting where small children cling to the backs of large sheep, and, of course, Bull Riding.

“Eventually you have to just come to grips with the facts you're going to get thrown,” said a young ranch hand as he observed a selection of bulls from atop the chutes at the Marysville Stampede. “Next year I plan to ride.”

While some might compete as a hobby, others have their sights set on entering the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), a championship rodeo event held annually in December at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. To qualify, contestants must win the season title or average title at the regional circuit finals rodeos. There are 12 regional circuits in the United States recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association which include Montana, Mountain States, Wilderness, Columbia River, California, Turquoise, Texas, Prairie, Badlands, Great Lakes, Southeast and First Frontier. The Marysville Stampede resides under the California circuit.

“It’s always a great time, and such a beautiful day,” said Colleen Morris who sat in the Marysville Stampede’s VIP stands.

The Marysville Stampede took place this past weekend, Sept. 14 and 15, at the Cotton Rosser Arena at Riverfront Park in Marysville. This year’s winning results, according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, are as follows:

Bareback Riding: Tucker Zingg with a score of 82.5

Steer Wrestling: Tanner Kerr at 5.8 seconds

Team Roping: A tie between Joseph Shawnego / Case Hirdes and Dusty Bravos / Zack Engelhart both coming in at 6.3 seconds

Saddle Bronc Riding: Spencer Wright with a score of 84

Tie-Down Roping: Colton Farquer at 9.9 seconds

Barrel Racing: Maren Powers 15.76 seconds

Bull Riding: Colby Demo with a score of 85