About the Stampede Rodeo

The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival is organized solely by volunteers and remains one of only a few non-profit rodeos in the nation. The Board of Directors is comprised of 14 talented volunteers with the diverse backgrounds needed to put on an event of this magnitude. Additionally, 12 other talented members of the community serve as committee chairs and work with the board of directors to oversee all aspects of the rodeo and festival.

With operational costs reaching over $325,000, largely due to the lack of permanent facilities, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo volunteers proudly take on the monumental task of raising the rodeo grounds out of a dusty hay field each year. Despite the challenges, the committee takes great pride in the development of the high-quality rodeo grounds they produce each year.

Since 2002, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Committee faced uncertainty each year of where the rodeo would be located. Star Valley Park, home of the Valley Center Vaqueros (a local equestrian club), has been our home since 2018. This semi-permanent home for the rodeo represents the community spirit of our quaint little town and the generosity of our local people and organizations. The goal of both organizations is to develop a permanent equestrian facility for equestrians to enjoy year-round. In 2021, the Valley Center Parks and Recreation District turned over all facility responsibilities to the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department. The County is a big proponent of the rodeo and festival, and our board works hand in hand with the County to ensure the success of the event.

The 2025 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival will mark the 21st year of bringing quality rodeo entertainment to our town and the neighboring communities of North San Diego County. Our team is eager to showcase our town’s western heritage, while honoring our first-responders and military personnel.

The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo is part of a community-wide effort to celebrate our town’s patriotism and western heritage over Memorial Day Weekend. The rodeo is made possible by the year-long efforts of the volunteer Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Board of Directors, the dedication of local volunteers and the generous donations from local businesses. The board of directors, committee members and organizers are all volunteers - there are no paid positions associated with the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival, and we are always looking for new volunteer talent and financial supporters. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming an event sponsor, please contact us today.

Our Mission Statement:

Valley Center Stampede Rodeo, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving our town’s historic western heritage, building community unity, supporting our youth, and expressing appreciation to our nation’s military servicemembers through the legendary American sport of rodeo.

To achieve our mission, we will strive to accomplish the following Mission Objectives:

  1. The annual production of the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival, a community event that showcases our historic western heritage, educates the community on the sport of rodeo, promotes traditional family values, and provides a venue for the people of our community to gather in unity.
  2. Our year-long Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Queen program aimed at the empowerment and education of female equestrians through appearances and engagements at neighboring rodeos, parades, schools, community outreach opportunities, and educational scholarships.
  3. Scholarships for local graduating seniors enrolled in a college, university or vocational institution.
  4. Sponsorship of youth engaged in other youth-focused organizations and activities.
  5. Support of our local military servicemembers through donations to military morale, welfare, and recreational programs.
  6. Advocating for the development of an Equestrian Center in Valley Center, CA through activism, financial contributions, and volunteer support. While an Equestrian Center is necessary for the success of our organization, it also epitomizes our mission as a multi-purpose venue for a wide range of community activities, provides a permanent home for the Valley Center Vaqueros horse club, and provides a place for the old and the young to gather and engage in equestrian activities.

Event Chairperson

Board of Directors

  • Billy Wagner - PresidentBilly Wagner
    President
    E-mail Billy
  • Frank Holtz - Vice PresidentFrank Holtz
    Vice President
  • Trina West
    Treasurer
    E-mail Trina
  • Madelyn Wagner  - Secretary / Arena DirectorMadelyn Wagner
    Secretary / Arena Director
    E-mail Maddie
  • Julie Picot
    Board Director / Rodeo Queen Director
    E-mail Julie
  • Martina Day
    Board Director
    E-mail Martina
  • Glynna Hoekstra
    Board Director
  • Cameron Cline
    Board Director
  • Erik Jockinsen
    Board Director
  • Armando Martinez
    Board Director
  • Jason Boes
    Board Director
  • Camille Buswell
    Board Director
  • Ernesto Villalobos
    Board Director
  • Mike Goss
    Board Director

Rodeo Addresses

Main Entrance/Rodeo Fans:
29902 Valley Center Road
Valley Center, CA 92082

Contestants:
14970 Vesper Road
Valley Center, CA 92082

Mailing Address:
P.O. BOX 432
Valley Center, CA 92082

Rodeo Photographers:
Gene Hyder → website
Stu Hagen → website
Andrea Kaus → website

Show Your Support!

The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival relies on the generous contributions of sponsors, vendors and others who enjoy this family-friendly event. Your donations to the Rodeo are welcome and appreciated!

Rodeo Queen

One of the highlights each year is the crowning of the Valley Center Rodeo Queen, Junior Queen, Young Miss & Little Miss. The new Valley Center Rodeo Queen is crowned each April and represents the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo each May. To learn more about the pageant and see the current title holders, please visit the Rodeo Queen site.

Rodeo Queen Site
Valley center Rodeo Queen