eLivermore.com - By Bill Nale

 

Livermore Rodeo Parade
on eLivermore.com
Administered by Bill Nale

Back to eLivermore.com Home Page

Sign our Guestbook


Contents

On This Page:
General Parade Information
Rodeo Week Calendar of Events
Photos from Past Parades and Rodeos (including Historical)
Parade Viewer's Guide and Route Map
Parade FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Links

Past Grand Marshals & Community Service Recipients
Rodeo Guy

On Separate Pages:

2024 Parade Page
Parade entry form now available on the above page
Photos on the photo site at full resolution
Photos on web pages with parade script

2024 Parade Video

See photos from past Rodeo's and Parades

2023 Parade Page
Parade Photos on web pages with the parade script
Parade Photos on the photo site - Download full res photos for free.
2023 Parade Video.  Filmed by Nile Runge.


2024 - 2023 - 2022 - 2021 (virtual) - 2020 (cancelled) - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 -
2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2008 - 2007 - 2006
- 2005 - 2004 - 2003 Parade Pages


Photos will be on the 2024 photo page at:

https://elivermore.zenfolio.com/rodeoparade

And also on the web pages, with the parade script

 

General Parade Information


The 2024 Parade was held on June 8 at 10:00am on 2nd Street

This web site provides information on the Livermore Rodeo Parade in Livermore California.
This site is part of eLivermore.com, a portal providing information, history, and links for the Tri-Valley.
This site is accessible through eLivermore.com, or directly via the address www.rodeoparade.com

2024 Parade Page

 

The rodeo is held on the 2nd Weekend of June each year (starting on the 2nd Saturday of June).  The parade is on Saturday morning with the Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  Additional Rodeo related activities occur earlier in the week.  See the eLivermore.com community calendar or the list below for details.

The parade is managed by the Livermore Rotary Club.  The Rodeo is managed by the Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association

Back to Top of Page

2024 Rodeo Week Calendar of Events

Date
(2024)
Day Time Admission Event



The Rodeo Guy. 
See Description in FAQ below.

This information is provided for your convenience.  Please visit the Livermore Rodeo website for the most up to date information.
Spring 2024     General: $25
Reserved: $30
Premium Res: $35
Tickets will be sold online, or can be purchased in person at the Livermore Valley Stadium (3000 Robertson Park Road).
June 1 Sat 6:00pm to 10:00pm   Princess Competition
The Livermore Rodeo Foundation in partnership with the Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association is proud to announce that during the 2024 Livermore Rodeo, we will be crowning up to six (6) local girls, ages 7-12, to represent the World's Fastest Rodeo!

Congratulations to last years crowned Princesses.

June 5 Wednesday Gates Open: 4:30pm
Dinner at 6:00-8:00pm
Live Music:
6:00-10:00pm

$30 14 & over
$20  5-13
Free 4 & under

Mixer and Team Branding at Robertson Featuring Team Branding, live music and a Tri Tip BBQ dinner. Children are NOW permitted to attend this event. This event is located at the Robertson Park Rodeo Arena. Sofia Claire will be Live in Concert.  Gates open at 4:30 p.m. More information and tickets  More info (on the Rodeo web site).
Tickets available at Baughmans, 2029 First St. Starting April 1.   Advance Ticket Sales Only
Live music from 6:00-10:00pm
June 6 Thursday Slack starts at 6pm Free Local Events Slack. Formerly called "Family Night".  Food & Beverage will NOT be available this year. Special performance at post of the event by the Diablo Ladies Drill Team.  See Photos More info (on the Rodeo web site)
June 7 Friday 12:00pm - 3:00pm $50 Cowgirl Luncheon.  Must be 21 or older.
A lunch brought to you by the Livermore Rodeo Foundation recognizing local scholarship recipients and this years cowgirl honoree.

Lunch to include choices of Hors D'oeuvres, steak or chicken along with sides.

A silent auction will be held.

June 8 Saturday 10:00am Free Rodeo Parade on 2nd Street - 2024 Parade page
Photos of 2023 Parade
June 8-9 Saturday
&
Sunday
Gates Open: 11:00am
Grand Entry: 3:00pm
Online:
General: $25
Reserved: $30
Premium Res: $35

Add $5 Rodeo Weekend

Parking: $20 (includes Program)

Rodeo at Robertson Park.  2 and under are free (must sit on parents laps).  3-12 and 60 & over $1 discount.  Gates open at 11:00am.  Grand Entry at 3:00pm.  Rodeo web site.  -  See Photos
Events: Bareback - Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding.
June 9 Sunday Check in: 10:00am

Rodeo:
11:00a

  Lil Pardner's Rodeo. The “Lil’ Pardners Rodeo” is an event held every Sunday of the rodeo, which gives physically and mentally challenged children a day to experience the thrill of being a genuine cowboy or cowgirl.  More Info (on the Rodeo web site).
June 15 Saturday 8:00am Free Jr. Rodeo.  PeeWee events kick off at 9:00am.  Peewees include 4- and 5- year-olds riding sheep; the 6-10-year-olds ride calves; 11-13-year-olds ride steers; 14-16-year-olds ride junior bulls; and 16-18-year-olds ride senior bulls.  Takes place at Robertson Park.  Jr. Rodeo Website.  -  See Photos: 2010 - 2014

  
One of the past parade participants.  Her hobby was robbing trains.

Back to Top of Page

Photos from current and past Parades

eLivermore.com has photos from the last 22 years of the parade and Historical Photos.

    Historical Parade Photos
Page 1 - Late 1800s, early 1900s
Page 2 - Early 1900s to 1933
Page 3 - 1935 to 1957

Rodeo Photos
2004 Family Night Photos
2004 Rodeo Photos

2007 Family Night Photos

2009 Family Night Photos
2009 Rodeo Photos

2010 Rodeo Photos
2010 Jr. Rodeo

2013 Family Night Photos
2013 Rodeo Photos

2014 Jr. Rodeo

2015 Family Night Photos

2016 Family Night Photos
2016 Rodeo (Sunday) Photos

2018 Rodeo (Sunday) Photos
 

    Recent Years Parade Photos
2001 Parade - Page 1
2002 Parade - Page 2, Pg 3
2003 Parade - Page 4, Pg 5, Pg 6
2004 Parade - Page 7, Pg 8, Pg 9, Pg 10
2005 Parade - Page 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
2006 Parade - Page 17, 18, 19, 20
2007 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
2008 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
2009 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
2010 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
2011 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
2012 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
2013 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2014 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2015 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2016 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2017 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2018 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2019 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2020 Parade - Page 1
2021 Parade - Page 1
2022 Parade - Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. 17
2023 Parade - Page 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17
2024 Parade - Page 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17
   Photos of ALL entries from 2007 through 2019 are included.

Email me if you would like digital copies of your entry (at no charge).

Western Heritage Celebration Photos (2005)

Note that photos from 2007 onward are also on the eLivermore.com Photo Sharing site at:
https://elivermore.zenfolio.com/rodeoparade.
Where they can be downloaded at full resolution.

Back to Top of Page

Parade Viewer's Guide

The 2024 Livermore Rodeo Parade will be held on June 8, 2024, beginning at 10:00am
Click here for the 2024 parade details.

The Rodeo is always on the second full weekend of June, with the parade on Saturday morning.  The possible date range for the parade is June 8 to 14.

Viewing the Parade

When to arrive: 9:30 or so.  9:30 is when first half of the entrants get there, so there will be parade viewers coming with them.  There are people arriving at 8:30 or so to get their desired viewing spot.  The parade begins at 10:00am
How long does it last? The parade generally lasts until about 11:30am, but this will vary by the number of entries and the length of the entries.  In 2009 the parade, with 73 entries, ended at 11:28am
Where to Park: Parking on surrounding streets is available.  Most of these streets are residential. Please be courteous.  The parking garage behind the theater is also available.  There is handicap parking on 2nd and 3rd just east of J St.
Bring:  Folding chair or blanket to sit on (there may not be room for everyone to sit), Sunscreen, Hat, Camera.
Dogs are permitted starting 2015.  Please keep them on a leash, and clean up after them.
Do Not Bring: No Alcohol.  It is not permitted
What can be purchased during parade: Non Profit groups will be selling refreshments, which include:
Ice Cream. 
A Boy Scout troop selling Snow Cones, Sodas, & bottled water.
A Boy Scout troop selling Hot Dogs, Sodas, & bottled water.
Parade route Click Here for the route map (pdf file)
The parade is staged on 3rd street, with the parade itself starting on O St, with the main portion on 2nd St, and ending on J.  The Parade route also shows the announcing stations.  There are 4 announcing stations, separated by about a block and a half.  Each announcing station has the same script.  Entries with a specific performance generally perform at each announcing stand.  The last announcing stand also includes the judging stand.
Street Closures See the route map.
J, K, L, M, N, and O streets are closed between 1st and 4th streets
2nd and 3rd streets are closed between J and P.
1st Street and 4th Street remain open.
Order of appearance Parade Entry Lineup (Added a week or two before the parade, and updated until just before the parade).  A one page printable version will be available to take to the parade with you.  Click here for 2019 Parade lineup
Awards Presentation The Awards Presentation will be at about 12:30 at Carnegie Park, located in the block between J & K, and 3rd & 4th Streets.
Restrooms Restrooms are available at Carnegie Park and at Third & M Streets.
Parade Headquarters
& First Aid
The Parade Headquarters and First Aid station are located at the corner of Third & M Street.

Route Map
Click Here for the route map (pdf file)

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who organizes the parade? The parade has been organized by the Livermore Rotary Club since 1978, when it was taken over from the Jaycees.  It has also been organized by the Chamber of Commerce in the 1950s.  Originally the parade was organized by the Livermore Stockmen's Association.  Robert Concannon organized the first Rodeo Parade in 1918.
When did the parade start? The parade began with the rodeo, in 1918.  The rodeo was over the 4th of July at that time.  There had been 4th of July parades prior to the Rodeo.  Newspapers often referred to it as the "4th of July Parade" in the 1920s.  The Rodeo and parade were NOT held in 1924 (Hoof & Mouth disease), 1959 (Grandstands condemned) and 1961 (coordination disagreements).  It was held over the 4th of July from 1918 to 1931.  In 1932 and 1933 it was held in May, but the weather was too unpredictable.  In 1934 it was moved to the 2nd weekend in June.  The parade was not held from 1942 to 1945, but the rodeo did take place.  There was also a "Kiddie Parade" for children in some years, especially in the 1950s.
How Many People attend the parade? About 15,000.
How many entries are typically in the parade? The 2024 Parade had have 90 entries.  About 1387 people participated, plus many horses and some dogs.
The 2023 Parade had 80 entries.  About 1300 people participated, plus many horses.
The 2022 Parade had 81 entries.  About 1200 people participated, plus many horses.
The 2021 Parade was held virtually due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, as was the Rodeo.
The 2020 Parade was cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, as was the Rodeo.
The 2019 Parade had 96 entries.  About 1576 people participated, plus many horses.
The 2018 Parade had 111 entries.  About 1805 people participated, plus many horses. 
The 2017 parade had 97 entries.  About 1937 people participated, plus many horses.
The 2016 parade had 102 entries.  About 2032 people participated, plus many horses.
The 2015 parade had 88 entries.  About 1461 people participated, plus many horses and at least one dog.
The 2014 parade had 87 entries.  About 1514 people participated, plus many horses and at least one dog.
The 2013 parade had 82 entries.  About 1470 people participated, plus many horses and at least one dog. 
The 2012 parade had 87 entries.  About 1462 people participated, plus many horses and at least one dog.
The 2011 parade had 77 entries.  About 1624 people participated, plus many horses and at least one dog.
The 2010 parade had 77 entries.  About 1300 people participated, plus many horses and at least one dog.
The 2009 parade had 75 entries.  About 1470 people participated.
The 2008 parade had 83 entries.  About 1566 people participated.
The 2007 parade had 83 entries.  About 1625 people participated.
The 2006 parade had 79 entries.  About 2000 people participated.
The 2005 parade had 90 entries.  About 2000 people participated.
The 2004 parade had 79 entries.  About 2100 people participated.
Entry totals obtained from the final lineup.  Participant totals are from the entry forms, which are estimates in many cases.
The complete parade lineups back through 2004 are listed on eLivermore.com.  See the links above.
What types of organizations are in the parade? School bands, local businesses, local organizations, dance studios, churches, classic cars, horse entries, and many more.  eLivermore.com has been in the parade since 2002.
What categories are judged? See the Parade Entry Categories for 2023,
Who are the parade judges? Rotary Club of Livermore
California State Horseman's Association
Is there TV coverage The 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023 parade videos are online.  Go to the year's parade page for the link.
Where did the Rodeo Guy come from? There were many of these made, and are known as the Muffler Man.  They were sold to service stations around the country, and built to be holding a muffler.  Gerald Bireley bought two of these with Phillips Oil Co to stand outside of his service station on Portola Ave.  Jerry Bireley, his son, recently restored the service station.  The Muffler Men were sold to the rodeo for use as mascots.  One of them is no longer with us, but the other appears along 580 by the golf driving range between the El Charro and Airway exits.  To see many other Muffler Men, check This Link and also Here.  See below for a photo of the Rodeo Guy for each rodeo start date.

Back to Top of Page
 

Links

  Livermore Rodeo Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association, which sponsors the rodeo.
  Livermore Rotary Parade Organizer
  eLivermore.com Community Calendar, Things to Do, Photos, History, and Link for Livermore and the Tri-Valley.
  Livermore Visitors Guide All about Livermore.  Places of interest, activities, and more.  On eLivermore.com
  Livermore Hotels Listing of hotels in Livermore and the Tri-Valley area.  On eLivermore.com
  Livermore Restaurants Listing of all restaurants on Livermore.  Links to surrounding cities also.  On eLivermore.com

Send comments and suggestions to:  webservant@elivermore.com

Back to Top of Page

Past Grand Marshals and
Community Service Award Recipients

Links go to Biographies, if available.

Parade Year Grand Marshal Community Service Award
2024 Kathryn McGlinchey Laughlin Ronald A Forbs Sr.
2023 The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Fusion Team Sonya Sheffield
2022 Marc Roberts Alan and Mary Burnham
2021 Dominick Saccullo (Parade was Virtual) Axis Community Health
2020 Keith Andersen - Note that the parade was cancelled in 2020 John Gordon
2019 Leo Croce Officers Dave Martin and Matt Ishmael
2018 Dorothy Basso

Kathleen Minser

2017 Congressman Eric Swalwell The Livermore Valley Education Foundation
2016 Jacquie Williams-Courtright Bob & Donna McKenzie
2015 Joan and Lynn Seppala Steve Neef and Dennis Gambs
2014 Sheila M. Fagliano Chris and Patti Ising
2013 Steve Sweeney Susan Gallinger
2012 Ron Scott Linda Barton
2011 Lucky Gravette Charles Crohare
2010 Don Nolte The Valley Care Auxiliary Group
2009 The Bankhead Family Leo Croce
2008 Retired Judge Al Lewis Bob and Cheryl Rumberger
2007 Merilyn (Tillie) Calhoun Rev. William E. Nebo
2006 John Shirley Cathie Brown
2005 Ralph Laughlin Jacquie Williams-Courtright
2004 Barry Schrader Doug Bell
2003 David & Barbara Mertes Gary Drummond
2002 Ed Rundstrom John Shirley
2001 Lois Mulqueeney Walker Stuart Gary
2000 Jim Concannon Glenny Norris
1999 Carl Holdener Ann Wieskamp
1998 Dr Edward Teller Sheila Cardoza Fagliano
1997

Hal Kamp, Russ Bargmann,
& Ed Rundstrom

Dan Silveira
1996 Gerry Bireley & Pete DeBruin City of Livermore Design Review Committee,
Martha Silberman Chairman
1995 Rotary Monsignor Adams
1994 Duke DePaoli Mike Thompson
1993 Manuel Enos Ed Rundstrom
1992 Carol Jean Famaris Bill Pane
1991 Vets of all 20th Century Wars  
1990 Frank Castro Peter Lum
1989 The Raymond Sisters Louise Clausnitzer
1988 Bert Christensen Ada Kuendig & Gary Drummond
1987 Elwin Mulqueeney Carol Jean Famarris & Bob Moore
1986 Virginia Fellingham Virginia Fellingham, Barbara Stears
& William O’Neal
1985 Mansar Iqbal Carol Andrews, Rich Solarz
1984 Floyd Sparks N/A
1983 The Wente & Concannon Families N/A
1982

C. Anderson, H. Gabriel,
& D. Mueller

N/A
1981 Joe Serpa N/A
1980 Jack Baird N/A
1979 Herb Hagemann  
1978 Max Baer Jr.  
1975 Joe Serpa  
     

 

   
     
     
1964 Johnie Schneider.  Parade moved to Saturday
to avoid conflict with LHS graduation.
Rodeo at old site still at this point.
 
1963 Evening parade held.  
1962 Evening parade held.  New bleachers added.  
1961 No Rodeo or parade.  Jr. Rodeo was held. A history talk indicated this year it was cancelled due to
conflicts with LARPD, and it was the 3rd time it was cancelled.
1960 Rodeo was held with rented stands.  Friday Twilight parade.

 

1959 No parade.  Rodeo was cancelled due to the grandstands being condemned. News headline stated that Rodeo had been missed
only twice since 1918.  Unclear if that counted 1959.
1958 Sheriff of Cochise (John Bromfield)  
1953 Governor named, but could not attend...  
1952 Capt. Frank Gill  
1951 Veterans (I think)  
1942-45 Parade not held.  
     
1941 Sheriff  
1937 Governor (Frank Merriam)  
1936 San Mateo Sheriff  
     
1933 Sheriff R. R. Veale (Contra Costa County)  
     
1931 Governor James Rolph  
1930 Mayor James Rolph Jr. of San Francisco  

Chamber of Commerce dropped sponsorship of parade in 1959.

Back to Top of Page


Rodeo Guy for each start date of the rodeo

I have taken photos of the Rodeo Guy many times for this site, and have all of the start dates.  The years listed below each photo are the years that the rodeo was on those dates.  A red year is when the particular photo was taken.

2002 2001 2000   1999 1998 1997
  2007 2006 2005 2004   2003
2013 2012   2011 2010 2009 2008
2019 2018 2017 2016   2015 2014
2024   2023 2022 2021 2020  
2030 2029 2028   2027 2026 2025
Year in RED is the year the photo was taken.

 

 

Send comments and suggestions to:  webservant@elivermore.com