San Benito County's Annie Tobias will be one of five young ladies who will vie to take home the title of Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2015. The competition will start on Wednesday, July 15 and the winner will be named during the opening performance of the 105th California Rodeo Salinas on Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m.
The winner will represent the California Rodeo Salinas for an entire year, traveling to parades, rodeos and other events. In addition to Tobias, a former Miss San Benito Rodeo and a graduate of San Benito High School, contestants are Michelle Hewitt-Miss Reins in Motion, Katherine Hillen-Miss Springville Sierra Rodeo, Taylor Howell-Miss Cuesta Rodeo and Danielle Ray-Miss Valley Volunteer Firefighters.
The contest consists of horsemanship, personality, appearance and scholastic categories. The winner of the contest will receive the title of Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2015 along with a $2,500 cash scholarship, a gold and silver trophy belt buckle, a gold and silver tiara, the use of a two-horse trailer for one year and many other lovely gifts. The contest is sponsored by Laurel Inn Motel & Conference Center.
On July 16, Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2014, Jynel Gularte, and current Rodeo President, Daryl Whitcher, will present the new Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2015 with her title on the track after the Grand Entry just before the Rodeo begins.
A native of San Benito County, Tobias is the daughter of Charlie and Lisa Tobias. Currently completing her second year at the University of California, San Diego, she is majoring in management science with a minor in business. Upon the completion of her college degree, she plans to pursue a career in product marketing or brand management.
Through nine years of participation in 4-H, Tobias has shown numerous animals at the county fair and was awarded the highest honor of the program by being named California State Ambassador. She credits 4-H for helping her to learn skills in public speaking and leadership. At U.C. San Diego, she is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity and has served as president of the Junior Pan-Hellenic council.
A part of the San Benito Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo since she was a young girl, Tobias said she loves the combination of traditional rodeo events with San Benito’s unique ranch style competitions like Figure 8 Roping. She said she has been honored to be a part of the history of the Saddle Horse Show Association and is proud to represent tradition in the Miss California Rodeo contest.
About the California Rodeo Salinas
The California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 16-19, 2015. The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donation of our facility, vending and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association returns between $200,000 and $300,000 annually to local non-profits. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo -Office at 831-775.3100. 'Like' the California Rodeo on Facebook or on Twitter for updates, photos and more.
