MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) – The Marysville Stampede marked its biggest year on record in attendance as fans gathered round the arena for two days of high-stakes rodeo action and family fun. Competitors from across the region vied for cash prizes and a chance to qualify for the California Circuit Finals Rodeo, a stepping stone to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

In addition to thrilling competition, the Stampede Committee raised approximately $14,000 to support local women battling breast cancer, with the Sunday performance dedicated to “Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day” in honor of survivors and supporters.

The arena was alive with talent as Brushton Minton of Twiter Springs earned the title of all-around cowboy, collecting $1,831 in tie-down and team roping. Local standout Jacek Frost of Browns Valley, currently ranked No. 10 in the world for bareback riding, thrilled the crowd with a winning 84-point ride on Flying U Rodeo’s Lil Bit. James Mann of Tehachapi won the steer wrestling title in 5.7 seconds, while team roping ended in a tie between Lane Lowry of Orcutt and Lane Karney of Creston, and the duo of Spencer Mitchell of Orange Cove and Minton, all finishing at 5.9 seconds.

Women raced through the arena with speed and skill in the barrel racing event. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

Ryder Sanford of Sulphur, Louisiana, captured the saddle bronc riding title with 79 points on Rosser Rodeo’s Sky Blast. Tie-down roping went to Roan Hudson of Carbon, Texas, who edged out the competition in 9.6 seconds. In barrel racing, Maren Powers of Sebastopol claimed first place with a run of 16.22 seconds. The bull riding crown was split between Colby Strickland of Salinas, California, aboard Sabotage, and Tyler Taylor of Stephenville, Texas, on Code Black, both scoring 83 points. In total, the rodeo awarded $49,132 in prize money, with Rosser Rodeo and Flying U Rodeo providing the stock.

The weekend also celebrated the crowning of the 2025 Stampede queens. Sydney Sampson was named Miss Marysville Stampede, while Jennifer Broton earned the title of Jr. Miss Marysville Stampede. Local youth joined in the festivities through the Stampede Coloring Contest, which highlighted the creativity of young artists. Winners included Cora Valentine, age 6, and Alyssa Remund, age 10, both of Yuba City, along with 14-year-old Abba Baker of Olivehurst.

From the roar of the crowd during bull riding to the crowning of queens and the thunder of both hooves and dirtbikes - the 91st annual Marysville Stampede blended world-class rodeo action with small-town celebration. Organizers and attendees alike noted that this year’s event carried unmatched energy, reaffirming the Marysville Stampede’s place as one of Northern California’s most cherished traditions.