Edhat Staff
Old Spanish Days Fiesta organizers held a press conference on Monday to discuss the cancellation of the Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo after issuing two press releases, stating they will no longer hold their event at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, but plans for a new venue are already underway.
During the press conference at the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum, this year’s El Presidente, Fritz Olenberger, alongside Rodeo Committee Chair Josiah Jenkins, unveiled future plans for the beloved rodeo. “I grew up around cowboys and rodeos and I wanted a rodeo and the board of directors wanted a rodeo,” said Olenberger.
Josiah Jenkins opened up about the financial difficulties the event has faced, stating, “Last year we had three sell out performances… we can’t complain at that but we had no bottom line. You can’t continue an event or reinvest in yourself without a little left over each year.”
For 2025, the organization concluded that the numbers simply did not add up, citing an already tight and challenging operating budget that drew on sponsors, ticket sales, and fees for the showgrounds.
In what appears to be a strained relationship with the showgrounds, Fiesta board members highlighted several concerns, including unpredictable post-event invoicing, the pursuit of a flat fee, unmet requests for fair access to revenue streams, and inadequate facility conditions despite investments from the equestrian community.
The showgrounds proposed to host a professional rodeo assuming all associated risks and responsibilities as well as any profits. However, the Fiesta board declined, leading to the cessation of the event’s tenure at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.
Looking to the future, Olenberger revealed that potential new locations for 2026 have emerged, including Ventura, the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center, and the Elks Center. The search for a suitable venue appears to be in full swing, as these facilities offer promising opportunities for collaboration.
Despite these changes, Earl Warren Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague emphasized the Showgrounds’ ongoing commitment to community and cultural events, stating, “Earl Warren Showgrounds will remain a home for celebration, culture, and community connection—and will continue exploring ways to host a rodeo event in the future.”
Sprague expressed his surprise and sadness at the rodeo’s decision but remained optimistic, “We’ve been diligently working with Old Spanish Days to find a solution to produce the event…we share their hope that the spirit of community, heritage, and horsemanship will continue to thrive.”
The Fiesta parade, El Desfile Historico, with its impressive display of equestrian talent, will continue to be a prime attraction, drawing thousands of spectators keen to witness the horses in action.
This year’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta starts on July 30 and runs through August 4. Learn more at sbfiesta.org.
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As a multi generational Santa Barbaran I find this totally unacceptable. Early Warren Showgrounds sits inside the city, and there are no other acceptable options. The County Supervisors needs to be working to help Santa Barbara celebrate our communities heritage, why aren’t they providing the facility free of excess charges?
Agree, something shady is up with Earl Warren.
There is more to the story. This is typical Fiesta Board of Director behavior; silenced unanimously. The Rodeo committee is one person JJ of J.
So what do you know and why aren’t you spilling the tea?
Read the posts, mine and others; figure it out, then ask questions. So much of it is dirty. If you can’t figure that out, you reap what you sow.
SARA – Your post literally says ‘there is more to the story.” Then you say to read posts “then ask questions.” That’s exactly what ANON did.
It’s ok to admit you don’t know.
Ah, but then there wouldn’t be a conspiracy to fantasize about.
Well lookee there….. it was never about BASIC’s “PETA-type Nancy wankers” at all, ever.
No? Well, you’re one of them and you know you hate rodeo because it’s totally non-PC around here. Way too many PETA types in SB, unfortunately. Funny thing though is if it somehow became popular here you Sack would be raving online about how “amazing” it was!!
Still making stuff up when you get caught lying? It’s hilarious. Me? I love it. Go every year. I know some riders and have heard stories of a lot of progress being made with animal care. I also love zoos! Imagine that.
I know “Nancy” (or whatever type of wanker you are, and you DEFINITELY are a wanker), being wrong is embarrassing, especially all the time.
Go ahead and throw more tantrums though, it’s funny.
It is well known in town but if the wider public knew the behavior and issues of OSD board they would be disappointed
TINKER – just looking at the schedule and lack of events is enough to be disappointed in the OSD. Last year, they failed to secure 2 sites, one of which has been part of Fiesta since I was a kid – El Mercado Del Norte. Such a huge bummer of a Fiesta for its 100th Anniversary. This year, looks the same. Only thing is the 2 parades and De La Guerra. Last year, I walked down to about Canon Perdido, saw the chaos of EVERYONE in one single Mercado at DLG, then turned around and went and ate at an almost empty Azul Cocina (for some delicious food). Fiesta was a bust. This year looks to be no different.
Does anyone know why they can’t get Del Norte or the beach side fair going again? That was actually fun!
Cramming tens of thousands of people into one, single and very small area at DLG with ALL the dancers and bands limited to that ONE stage is beyond poor planning, it’s just stupid.
It’s a real shame that the Santa Barbara rodeo has been cancelled this year. For generations, it’s been a cherished tradition that brought families, friends, and visitors together in celebration of our Western heritage. The inability of the Fiesta board of directors and the fairgrounds to come to terms is disappointing, especially given how meaningful this event is to the community. This isn’t just about missing a rodeo—it’s about losing a piece of Santa Barbara’s cultural fabric. Year after year, the rodeo has showcased local talent, supported nonprofits, and provided a sense of unity for the city. Its absence this year is a letdown to residents, businesses, and rodeo fans alike. One can only hope both sides recognize what’s at stake and work toward preserving this beloved tradition moving forward.
Sold out previous year, but the numbers don’t add up? Could it be that since State St closure, Santa Barbara’s parades moved just don’t have the same draw anymore. Fiesta and Solstice used to bring huge crowds, enjoying the parade and spending money on State St. Many came from out of town, no vacancies at all the motels. We’re killing our golden geese.
SBDME – I remember the first Solstice parade I attended on SB street a few years ago and it was still pretty awesome! Even more so because Playa Azul was selling margaritas to go.
As for Fiesta, last year was a huge disappointment. The 100th Anniversary of Fiesta and they shut down both Del Norte and the beach carnival that was so fun the previous year. Who ever is running it missed the chance at an epic 100th Anniversary celebration.
But, I don’t think closing State St. to cars is what ended the rodeo this year. As you mention, it’s always sold out, even since COVID. Heck, I get lucky that I know someone for tickets, but the rodeo is packed. State St. has nothing to do with that.
Seems like Fiesta organizers have been mismanaging the event and funds for a while and it’s catching up to them. They’re a group of self-important people anyway, always have been.
Yes. Because it’s all about the money and who cares if animals suffer cruelty and abuse? I am THRILLED that rodeo will finally leave Santa Barbara. The “sold out” crowds is a myth. The number of attendees has been dropping, year after year. A great many of the people who do attend are not locals, but out-of-town wannabe cowboys. You can step into the 21st Century and be compassionate and caring toward animals. OR you can be one of those “Everyone knows animals don’t have feelings or emotions” people who don’t mind seeing animals suffer for the sake of “entertainment.”
J. Jenkins: “I wanted a rodeo, the Board wanted a rodeo.”
News flash JJ, a lot of us want things that for any number of reasons we don’t get.
Stop whining about it in public & move on.