This cowboy holds on as the bull he is on goes to his knees in an attempt to throw him off. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) – As summer ripens into early fall, a beloved tradition rounds the corner: the 91st Annual Marysville Stampede, set for Sept. 13 and 14 at the renowned Cotton Rosser Arena in Marysville. Gates swing open two hours before each performance, unveiling a two-day showcase of rodeo thrill and community spirit.

This gathering isn’t just another rodeo; it’s a living celebration of western heritage and a poignant thread in the fabric of Yuba–Sutter community life. The Stampede has long served both as entertainment and a meaningful backer of local causes, with proceeds benefiting organizations such as the Yuba and Sutter Sheriff’s Posses, the Marysville Fire Department, Friends of the Yuba‑Sutter Fair, Active 20/30 Club, Marysville Rotary, local schools and other important non‑profits.

This mutton buster holds on tight! Photo by Chris Pedigo

Under the production expertise of the Flying U Rodeo Company, the Stampede promises full-throttle rodeo action. Though the 2025 lineup isn’t fully spelled out online, past editions have featured a compelling blend of sanctioned events: bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and women’s barrel racing. Youth-focused fun also has a place in the Stampede narrative. Flying U Rodeo’s past programs have carved out experiences like mutton bustin', pony rides, coloring contests, face painting, and even silver-coin hunts in the arena.

Beyond that, the Marysville Stampede’s social and philanthropic efforts kick-on long before the bronc’s do. The production’s arrival underscores a year's worth of community goodwill, crowd-drawing entertainment, and fervent local pride. The build-up begins on Friday, Sept. 5, with the Cowgirl Soirée. Starting at 11 a.m. this elegant gathering will be hosted at the Red Roof Ranch in Live Oak and is meant to celebrate women in agriculture and the enduring resilience of the cowgirl spirit. Tickets are required and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/bdeywyyt.

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Stampede revives California’s oldest running Cattle Drive, a free, family-friendly spectacle that steps off in Yuba City at Cooper & Bridge Street promptly at 6 p.m. From there, the herd rolls down Bridge Street, crosses the 5th Street Bridge, continues along D Street, and finishes at Cotton Rosser Arena at Riverfront Park in Marysville. Expect longhorn steers, horses and wagons, tractors and trucks, rodeo queens and cowboys, the Stampede Committee trolley, and floats from local 4-H and FFA clubs.

Lovely ladies sped through the arena, rounding three barrels in mere seconds, most rides under 19 seconds’ total. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

The momentum carries into Thursday, Sept. 11, with the Geweke Sponsor Social in Yuba City. This private gathering honors the rodeo’s valued sponsors with delicious food, refreshing drinks, sponsor spotlights, rodeo entertainment updates, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

On Friday, Sept. 12, the action heads to the Posse Arena at 5396 Marysville Rd. in Browns Valley for the Local Team Roping Qualifier. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m., with roping starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and families are welcome to enjoy the competition. Food will be available for purchase, and participants will compete for prizes and cash winnings.

Then comes the main event — the 91st Annual Marysville Stampede — on Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14, located at the Cotton Rosser Arena (1010 Biz Johnson Dr., Marysville). Saturday’s performance is Patriot Day, when all active-duty military, veterans, and first responders receive free admission with valid ID or badge. Gates open at 2 p.m., and the rodeo begins at 4 p.m. Sunday is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day, supporting breast cancer awareness. Guests wearing pink will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a pair of Justin Boots. Gates open at 1 p.m., with the rodeo starting at 2 p.m.         

Reno Rosser of Flying U Rodeo helps this lovely little mutton buster as she shoots from the gates! Photo by Chris Pedigo

For added convenience, advance tickets purchased this year are valid for either day, giving fans flexibility to choose which performance to attend. Tickets are available at marysvillestampede.com/tickets: adults $20; children ages 4–12, $10; kids 3 and under, free. Purchase online before September 13 to save $5 per ticket. In-person ticket outlets include Cotton’s Cowboy Corral, 320 5th St., Marysville; Yuba City Grange Co-Op, 1262 Stabler Ln.; Yuba City, 530-777-3551; and in Wheatland, The City Grill, 1912 Hwy 65. Proceeds from the Marysville Stampede support local schools, charities, first responders and other nonprofit organizations. For full details, visit marysvillestampede.com.