Rodeo tradition · Community pride

Built on grit. Rooted in tradition.

From its beginnings as the Wild West Stampede to today’s Gold Country Pro Rodeo, Auburn’s rodeo has carried Western heritage forward for generations.

About the rodeo

Nearly a century of rodeo tradition

Est. 1932 · Auburn, California

The Gold Country Pro Rodeo has been a cornerstone of Auburn, California since 1932, deeply rooted in the history and culture of Gold Country. Originally known as the Wild West Stampede, the rodeo quickly became a beloved annual tradition, drawing families, riders and fans together to celebrate the excitement, skill and spirit of professional rodeo.

In 2014, when the future of the rodeo was uncertain, the Rosser family of Flying U Rodeo, Inc. stepped in to preserve this historic event. Partnering with EzEvents, Inc., they reimagined and revitalized the rodeo, renaming it the Gold Country Pro Rodeo. The new chapter honored the event's legacy while elevating the experience for future generations.

Today, the Gold Country Pro Rodeo is growing stronger than ever. What began nearly a century ago remains a powerful celebration of tradition, grit and the enduring spirit of the American West.

№ 01Heritage

A legacy written in dust.

From the Wild West Stampede of 1932 to today’s Gold Country Pro Rodeo, generations of Auburn families have filled the grandstands, and one rodeo family made sure the tradition never ended.

Rodeo queens and riders on horseback with American flags in the Patriot's Day grand entry

1932
The Wild West Stampede
Auburn's rodeo begins as the Wild West Stampede and quickly becomes a beloved annual tradition, bringing families, riders and fans together in the heart of Gold Country.
1956
Flying U Rodeo is founded
Cotton Rosser's Flying U Rodeo Company starts producing family-friendly professional rodeo. Flying U has been part of the Auburn rodeo tradition for more than 30 years.
1995
The King of the Cowboys
Cotton Rosser, known as the “King of the Cowboys,” is inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame for an impact that helped shape modern professional rodeo.
2014
A legacy preserved
With the rodeo's future uncertain, the Rosser family of Flying U Rodeo, Inc. steps in. Partnering with EzEvents, Inc., they relaunch it as the Gold Country Pro Rodeo.
Today
Growing stronger
Championship-level competition, family-friendly entertainment and deep community roots. The rodeo honors its past while building an exciting future.

Saddle bronc rider bursting out of the chute at the Gold Country Pro Rodeo in Auburn, California

Our producers

The Rosser family & the Flying U legacy

Led by Karin, Reno and Cindy Rosser, the Flying U Rodeo Company has been producing high-quality, family-friendly rodeo entertainment since 1956. Based in Marysville, California, Flying U has been a key part of the Auburn rodeo tradition for more than 30 years and produces professional rodeos across the country year-round.

The Rosser legacy began with Cotton Rosser, known as the “King of the Cowboys,” whose impact helped shape modern professional rodeo. Inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1995, his influence lives on under the leadership of Reno Rosser.

Visit flyingurodeo.com

Benefitting the community

Every ride supports a brighter future

At the heart of the rodeo is a deep-rooted commitment to the community. Through charitable initiatives and support for local causes, the rodeo committee gives back year-round.