For more than 50 years, the annual Folsom Pro Rodeo has thrilled hundreds of thousands of people.

The rodeo not only attracts people from all over California, but also North America. This year, the rodeo runs July 2-4, with the Cattle Drive kick-off on Wednesday, July 1, at 6 p.m.

One has to wonder about the time it takes to plan it, not to mention all of the logistics that go into it.

The Folsom Chamber of Commerce’s Kris Keables said that they start planning the large event in January.

“We do lay down some of the framework,” she said, “but it’s Cotton who really puts things together. We work well together.”

“Cotton” is Cotton Rosser, owner of the Flying U Ranch and one of the busiest rodeo promoters in the country.

Based out of Yuba City, Rosser is a modern-day William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, traveling all over, presenting rodeo shows. In his 80s, he’s still going strong.

“I provide the stock, all the performers and I line ‘em up for the big show,” he said.

Among the many stock animals that Rosser’s operation provides for the Folsom Rodeo will be 40 to 50 bucking horses, more than 60 bulls and more than a dozen saddle horses for the rodeo’s VIPs.

“We take good care of our animals,” Rosser said. During the three-day event, he said that the all the animals eat “very well.”

All of the animals — from the riding bulls to the sheep used for “mutton busting” — consume more than 8 tons of hay and 3 tons of grain.

“I don’t know how much manure is shoveled,” he said dryly, “but it’s a lot.”

Between 15 and 20 people help Rosser run the rodeo area, from feeding and cleaning the animals to making sure the cowboys have plenty of water. There are a lot of cowboys.

According to Rosser, more than 250 cowboys will be taking part in the event.

“These young men are from all over the country. They’re here to put on a good show — and walk away with some cash in their pockets,” he added.

Rodeo clown Hollywood Harris and two bullfighter clowns will be working at the rodeo, Rosser said.

Rodeo clowns, while entertaining the crowds, are in the ring to protect the cowboys from bucking bulls.

A clown’s trained to distract the bull and even become a target for it, allowing the rider a chance to get away.
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FOLSOM PRO RODEO BY THE NUMBERS
• 250 cowboys participate
• 15-20 helpers run rodeo area
• 3 clowns work the rodeo
• 8 tons of hay consumed by rodeo livestock
• 3 tons of grain consumed by rodeo livestock
• Flying U Ranch provides 40-50 bucking broncos, 60 bulls, more than 24 saddle horses
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For more on the rodeo, visit the official site at FolsomProRodeo.com.

Explore the rodeo with the Telegraph ...

What is mutton busting? To find out, click here.

What's a 'Bullipede'? Find out here.

Cattle running down Sutter Street? Find out here.

What is there to do at the rodeo? Find out here.

What does it take to be a professional cowboy? Find out here.

Wells Fargo Stagecoach to roll into town once again. Learn more here.