Let's start with arrival. I was late; I unashamedly blame my heritage for being punctuality challenged. . . and my son who had an "accident" on my kitchen floor before I left, but I digress. Best to be EARLY, especially if you have little ones. The show starts at 7:30 P.M., but the doors open at 6:00 P.M. Parking is slim pickings, so you'll want to be early to minimize your walk. Space is tight at the rodeo, so it will be difficult (or impossible) to push along a stroller. That means the littles either need to walk or be carried. I'm sure there is handicap access somewhere, it just wasn't obvious to me.
I parked right across from the Folsom Community Center at 63 Natoma St., there are dental offices there. I paid $10. Right next door at the smog shop, I was quoted $20 for parking my Mazda 5, it appears that the car model makes a difference in price. Then at the Circle K, I was quoted $15. I don't know if parking pricing will change based on demand. Since I always prefer to park for free, I again recommend to just make it there early.
You don't have to worry about entertaining the kids if you are early because in Folsom City Lions Park, you'll find entertainment for the kids such as the BusyKidz Play Town and Café booth full of sensory fun, coloring, crafts, and much more. What is sensory fun? . . . you may ask. I'm referring to activities that promote activity and development such as a sand box, a gardening box, and garden play. You can also buy a $10 raffle ticket to enter to win a BusyKidz Birthday Party! Huge value right there.
You may have also missed out on the pony rides at the Folsom Round Up. My kids did. We had the worst luck and were the next folks up right before the train rides stopped and the pony rides ended. Striked out 2 times! Who does that? Needless to say I was happy to see that pony rides are available outside of the rodeo as well. Parental redemption is at hand!
If you're seeking more adult entertainment, you will find the "Saloon Under The Stars" inside the rodeo grounds right next to the entrance that is down the hill from Lions Park (just follow Stafford St. down hill until you hit the parking lot). Must be 21 and over to enter. An assortment of alcoholic drinks are available at a bar towards the back in addition to Jack Daniel's slushies. There is a comfortable seating area in the saloon where you can enjoy the rodeo on a big screen.
By this entrance down the hill, you'll also find the Menchie's mascot there giving away coupons, an awesome photo booth, Jimboy's Tacos Truck, a sliders food truck, a Mutton Busting booth, the first aid booth, and RESTROOMS. If you're looking for your Buckaroo Pack hot dogs and drinks, you can collect that over at a booth behind the Corral Club seating section. You will also find Coldstone Creamery, lemonades, an ATM, a few other booths, and a few shaded tables and chairs back there.
Because I was late, I missed the grand entrance. I hear there was a parachuter that landed carrying the U.S. flag. A-W-E-S-O-M-E!! Not sure what else was part of the opening ceremony, but I imagine the national anthem was sung and there must have been a presentation of colors. So don't be late! Learn from my mistakes :(
The Painted Ladies start off the entertainment with a myriad of intricate formations while on horseback. You won't want to miss this amazing extreme drill team's performance. The Painted Ladies also sponsor the Folsom Pro Rodeo Queen and contest.
Next for the night, you will experience the oh so cute and way too quick Mutton Busting, where 5-6 year old cowboys and cowgirls attempt to stay on board of quick moving sheep. This is such a fun part of the night, but it goes by really quick and is hard for the little ones to see . . . well because they are watching little ones also. You must not take your eyes off of the gates, because you can easily miss the short ride of your favorite cowboy or cowgirl.
A myriad of entertaining and fascinating cowboy and cowgirl challenges ensue. Expect to be at the edge of your seat! If you bought anything but general admission tickets, you should have plenty of space to sit at and breathe.
Enjoy some laughs and some maybe not so child appropriate humor from the rodeo clown, Matt Merritt. There will be some butt shaking and pelvis dancing from the rodeo clown and your favorite local mascots.
Last but not least, you will enjoy a very impressive, very captivating fireworks display from 9:30-9:45 P.M. That will mark the end of the rodeo. For those wanting to continue the adult fun, the saloon will remain open through midnight with live music.
The Folsom Pro Rodeo will take place at the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena located behind the Folsom Chamber of Commerce at 200 Wool St., Folsom, CA 95630
Folsom Pro Rodeo schedule on July 1, 2, and 3rd:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Grand Entry at 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
Rodeo ends 9:45 p.m.
Mike's Golden Spike Saloon live music 9:45 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets are available for sale HERE.
Macaroni Kid Folsom - El Dorado Hills received tickets from the Folsom Chamber of Commerce to share with our readers and for personal use in exchange for sharing this information with you. All opinions, statements, and photos are my own.
