Willits: 98Th Annual Frontier Days Heads To Mendocino County This Friday

Bay City News

The 98th annual Willits Frontier Days continues in Willits this Friday through July 6.

The event, which features the longest-running continuous rodeo in California, celebrates American Western traditions and ranching in Mendocino County.

What kicked off with the Hometown Celebration street party last Friday will continue over the next week with carnivals, tractor pulls, dances, rodeo, live music and more.

The carnival is open on Friday evening and continues nightly through July 6. Also on Friday is a truck and tractor pull. After that, a street dance will take place with music by Flat Busted with a beer garden onsite.

On Sunday, the Frontier Days Sweetheart will be crowned. The Sweetheart is a young woman aged 16 to 20 whom organizers describe as demonstrating "poise and personality" and a skilled equestrian who "exemplifies the ideals of Western life." The winner will represent Willits at rodeo events nationwide.

The California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association, also known as the CCPRA, rodeo takes place July 3 and 4. Cowboys and cowgirls from across California will battle it out for a belt buckle, cash, and bragging rights. A junior rodeo will take place on July 5, followed by Bulls & Broncs on July 6, the latter a new addition to the festival and is open to the public to participate in various rodeo challenges for cash prizes.

In addition to the rodeo, Fourth of July festivities include a parade on Main Street with a "Cowboys and Cadillacs" theme, live music, and a tri-tip barbecue with all the fixings. A pancake breakfast hosted by the Willits Lions Club also takes place July 5.

Tickets vary based on the event, the parade is free. Purchase tickets and find the event schedule at www.willitsfrontierdays.com.

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