ABOUT
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival is a volunteer-driven community event that celebrates the western heritage, patriotism, and small-town spirit of Valley Center and North San Diego County. Founded in 2002, the rodeo has become one of the region's premier Memorial Day Weekend traditions, bringing professional rodeo competition, family-friendly entertainment, and a tribute to our military personnel and first responders.
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With annual operational costs exceeding $350,000 and no permanent rodeo facility, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Board of Directors and more than 200 dedicated volunteers transform an open field into a professional rodeo venue each year. From arena construction and livestock facilities to grandstands, fencing, vendor areas, and event infrastructure, the rodeo grounds are built almost entirely from the ground up. This extraordinary effort reflects the dedication, determination, and community pride that have become hallmarks of the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo.
Since 2018, Star Valley Park has served as the rodeo’s home, and the organization continues to work alongside community partners and the County of San Diego toward the long-term vision of a permanent equestrian facility.
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The 2027 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival marks the 23rd year of this cherished community tradition. Produced entirely by volunteers and supported by local businesses, sponsors, and donors, the rodeo exists because of the dedication of those who believe in preserving Valley Center’s western heritage and community values.
We invite you to join us as a volunteer, sponsor, or attendee and become part of this growing tradition.
RODEO LEADERSHIP
OUR MISSION
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:
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- 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.
- 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.
- Scholarships for local graduating seniors enrolled in a college, university or vocational institution.
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- Sponsorship of youth engaged in other youth-focused organizations and activities.
- Support of our local military service members through donations to military morale, welfare, and recreational programs.
- 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.
