A woman raced through the arena with speed and skill in the barrel racing event at the 2025 Marysville Stampede. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - September in Marysville means one thing - Stampede season!

For nearly a century, the Marysville Stampede has kept the spirit of the Wild West alive in Yuba County. Cowboys, broncs, bulls and a herd of cattle will once again take over the Yuba-Sutter region as the Stampede returns for its 92nd year — but this year, organizers are adding something new to the rodeo’s mission: supporting local children and families facing pediatric cancer.

The Marysville Stampede Rodeo will return Sept. 12 and 13 to Riverfront Park in Marysville, with several events leading up to the two-day competition. First up is the inaugural Golden Circle of Champions Drive-Thru Family Dinner Fundraiser, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Geweke Ford in Yuba City.

“Golden Circle of Champions is a program started in Santa Maria, California to combat and assist families going through pediatric cancer,” Nicole Delerio-Rosser of Flying U Rodeo told the Territorial Dispatch. “This program is now at rodeos throughout the United States and we are bringing it to Yuba Sutter.”

Organizers have already selected the Marysville Stampede’s first Golden Circle Champion, a 4-year-old Marysville boy who Rosser said has undergone various treatments since being diagnosed nearly two years ago.

“We are proud to honor him and his family,” Rosser said. “Our hope is to raise money and awareness to assist local families with anything they may need while their children are going through treatment.”

The $60 presale family meals, catered by Cool Hand Luke’s, are designed to serve four or more people and include a whole slow-cooked tri-tip, seasoned rice, ranch-style beans and fresh bread rolls. Preorders are due by Sept. 4. Donations can also be made without purchasing a meal, with proceeds benefiting local children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

Schedule of events:

The Western festivities will continue Thursday, Sept. 10, with the traditional Marysville Stampede Cattle Drive. Beginning at 6 p.m. at Cooper and Bridge streets in Yuba City, the cattle will travel down Bridge Street, cross the Fifth Street Bridge into Marysville and continue along D Street to Riverfront Park. Floats from local schools, 4-H clubs and other community groups are also expected to join the procession.

Local ropers will have their chance to earn a spot in the Stampede on Friday, Sept. 11, during the Local Team Roping Qualifier at the Yuba County Posse Arena, 5396 Marysville Road in Browns Valley. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m., with roping at 6 p.m. The top 10 teams will advance to compete during the Marysville Stampede.

The main rodeo gets underway Saturday, Sept. 12, with gates opening at 2 p.m. and competition beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday will serve as Patriot Day, with active-duty military members, veterans and first responders receiving free admission with valid identification. It will also be Golden Circle of Champions Day, when the Stampede will honor its selected local child and family. A free after-rodeo party with live music will follow Saturday’s competition.

The Stampede returns Sunday, Sept. 13, with gates opening at 1 p.m. and rodeo action beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day, with spectators encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

General admission tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 through 12 for a one-day pass. Two-day passes are $60 for adults and $35 for children. Children 3 and younger are admitted free. Tickets, Golden Circle fundraiser information and additional event details are available through the Marysville Stampede website, http://marysvillestampede.com.