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-Editorial
The 2024 Cattle Call Rodeo in Brawley captivated spectators with a weekend full of tradition, skill, and community pride. Held from November 8 to November 10, this iconic event served as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) season opener, drawing elite cowboys and cowgirls from across the United States.
Unlike most professional sports, rodeo rosters are assembled just before the event, adding a unique element of suspense to the weekend. But, given Cattle Call’s PRCA status and the opportunity for competitors to earn points early in the season, a significant number of top-ranked riders, ropers, and barrel racers eagerly joined the lineup.
The annual Cattle Call Parade on November 9 featured two community leaders: Junior Grand Marshal Maria Dominguez and Grand Marshal George Nava.
Dominguez, a longtime Brawley resident and dedicated volunteer, has impacted her community through her service at Vo Neighborhood Medical Clinic, her leadership in the Dancing for a Dream Foundation, and her involvement with Las Flores del Valle Ballet Folklorico.
Nava, known for his nearly 17 years of service as Brawley’s Mayor and Councilmember, was honored for his efforts to foster local business and civic growth. Both leaders exemplified the values at the heart of the Cattle Call festivities and were celebrated as they led the procession through downtown Brawley, symbolizing the event’s strong community ties.
The rodeo itself provided non-stop excitement. Crowds cheered as contestants displayed exceptional skill in PRCA events, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and bull riding. Fans especially enjoyed the WPRA Barrel Race, a staple of the rodeo, and the team penning competition, where local teams vied to pen steers in the fastest time. Adding to the lively atmosphere, rodeo clowns entertained with comedic antics, while vendors offered classic fair fare, from corn dogs and kettle corn to deep pit barbecue and homemade ice cream.
Cattle Call’s history dates back to 1957 when Brawley’s Chamber of Commerce sought to establish an annual celebration unique to the town. The name “Cattle Call” was selected after a contest, and the first rodeo took place on the Brawley High School football field. Following that inaugural event, key figures in the community—Louise Willey, Ed Rutherford, Al Smith, and Dick Smith—formed the Arena Committee and spearheaded the construction of a permanent rodeo arena. Located on brush-covered land by the New River, the original facility was built largely through community donations, volunteer labor, and support from local businesses. The arena hosted its first rodeo in 1958, an event that solidified the Cattle Call Rodeo as a cherished tradition.
Over the decades, the rodeo arena has undergone numerous improvements, supported by a longstanding agreement between the City of Brawley and the Rodeo Committee. Through this partnership, all profits from the rodeo are reinvested into the facility, ensuring its upkeep and allowing it to accommodate the needs of both the rodeo and the community. Recent upgrades include a state-of-the-art equestrian center, rebuilt livestock holding pens, new sprinkler systems, and enhanced grandstand seating with modern amenities like shaded seating and an announcer’s stand equipped with advanced audio and scoreboard systems.
The Cattle Call Rodeo Committee, which includes descendants of the founders, remains dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rodeo experience. Committee members, many of whom are active farmers and business professionals, bring a wealth of expertise to each aspect of the event, from arena preparation to community outreach.
