Chowchilla Stampede returns after 2-year hiatus, kicking off weekend events

Dianne Krummen was one of the many people who lined up along Robertson Boulevard on Friday morning to watch the Chowchilla Stampede work its way through town.

The Chowchilla Western Stampede Cattle Drive returned for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic as the event celebrates its 65th anniversary this weekend.

Krummen has lived in Chowchilla for 30 years and has attended the Chowchilla Stampede about 25 times. “Yeah, we’re very excited,” Krummen said. “Yes, I’ve been many times.”

Ranchers and members of the community drive cattle through town on Robertson Boulevard to open the weekend-long Western Stampede events, which have included team roping activities and barrel racing which will be held at the Fairgrounds Indoor Arena on Robertson Blvd.

People line the street to see the cattle, horses, cowboys and cowgirls make their way through town.

Robin Butterworth moved to Chowchilla from Watsonville a year and a half ago. Friday was the first time she was able to attend the stampede.

“We haven’t seen a Chowchilla Stampede,” Butterworth said. “We came from Watsonville. They don’t have a stampede there so I’m excited to participate in a citywide event.”

The first Chowchilla Western Stampede Cattle Drive made its way down Robertson Blvd. on March 28, 1958. Since then the event has become a Chowchilla tradition.

The Chowchilla Stampede kicks off a weekend of rodeo events that including a lot of team roping events that attract contestants from all over the Western United States. They’ll compete for cash prizes, belt buckles and saddles.

Eight-steer roping is scheduled for March 5 at 8 a.m. and a “Lady’s Breakaway” roping event is Saturday, March 5 at 6 p.m. The barrel race takes place March 12-13.