Brawley Kicks Off 70th Cattle Call Celebration with Inaugural Golf Tournament

-Editorial 

The Brawley Chamber of Commerce launched the city’s 70th annual Cattle Call celebration with its inaugural Cattle Call Golf Tournament, drawing 116 players and exceeding organizers’ expectations as the community prepares for a week of festivities celebrating one of Imperial Valley’s longstanding traditions.

Held at Del Rio Country Club, the tournament marked a new addition to the annual celebration, which includes community gatherings, entertainment, food competitions, and the traditional Cattle Call Parade.

Brawley Chamber of Commerce CEO Ramiro Urias said the organization had previously considered incorporating a golf tournament into Cattle Call activities but had not pursued the idea because of limited experience organizing such an event.

The proposal gained momentum this year when Chamber board President Manuel Hernandez of FirstNet suggested moving forward with the tournament.

Urias said several board members familiar with golf helped coordinate the event, working with Del Rio Country Club to establish the tournament’s logistics and organize sponsorship opportunities.

For its first year, organizers initially anticipated approximately 75 participants. However, registration surpassed expectations, with 116 golfers participating.

“We thought we would have maybe 75 players,” Urias said. “The full tournament is about 112 here, so we were able to sell out. We have 116 players. We actually sold an extra team more than what we had planned.”

The tournament received support from several local businesses and organizations.

Casablanca served as the presenting sponsor, while Sun Community sponsored golf carts. Additional hole sponsors included Corazo, Sun Community, Mechanics Bank, Montano Hay and Elevate Property.

Chamber board members, staff, and community volunteers assisted with tournament operations. Employees from Sun Community also participated in volunteer activities, including ticket sales.

Urias said the strong turnout demonstrated community interest in expanding the activities associated with Cattle Call.

“Overall, everybody’s super happy out here,” Urias said. “We’re just super happy with the outcome.”

The golf tournament serves as an opening event for a series of activities organized by the Chamber in coordination with the Cattle Call Rodeo Committee, the city of Brawley, and local business sponsors.

The celebration continues Saturday, Nov. 7, with the annual Chili Cook-Off, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Main Street and Plaza Park.

The event will bring together participants and community members for a food-centered competition that has become part of the annual Cattle Call festivities.

On Monday, Nov. 9, the Chamber will host its Cattle Call Monday Night Mega Mixer at Mechanics Bank, located near Main Street and Plaza Park.

The gathering is intended to bring together business representatives, community leaders, and residents as part of the week’s activities.

Another major event is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11, when the annual Cattle Call Mariachi Night will feature live entertainment, food vendors, and community festivities.

According to Urias, organizers anticipate more than 18,000 attendees, with approximately 55 vendors and two beer gardens planned for the event.

The celebration will continue Saturday, Nov. 14, with the Cattle Call Parade, one of the most recognizable traditions associated with the annual festivities.

Urias said parade attendance is expected to reach approximately 25,000 people.

This year’s festivities carry additional significance as Brawley commemorates the 70th anniversary of Cattle Call, a celebration closely associated with the city’s agricultural heritage, ranching traditions and community identity.

The annual celebration brings together residents, businesses, community organizations and visitors from throughout Imperial Valley.

“So this year is our 70th anniversary for Cattle Call,” Urias said. “We’ve been working with the Cattle Call Rodeo Committee, with the City of Brawley, with our presenting sponsor, One World Beef, doing the best that we can to make sure it’s a memorable one for everybody.”