Press Release

The California Rodeo’s social media “Most Delicious Produce Contest” begins today, June 15^th and runs through June 29^th. Five produce mascots and their favorite produce products will be competing for the title of “Most Delicious Produce.” This year’s competition features Mann Packing’s “Snap Mann”, The Nunes Company “Broccoleaf”, Ocean Mist’s “Arti Loving Artichokes”, Sakata Seed’s “Green Magic”, Pacific International Marketing’s “Ka Pow Cauliflower” and Captain T&A’s “Artisan Lettuce”. To vote for your favorite mascot and produce, “like” California Rodeo Salinas on Facebook then “like” your favorite mascot’s photo. The contest runs through July 2^nd; the winner will be crowned with a special trophy at their produce company’s office location. These mascots will then be featured at the Ag Against Hunger Produce Mascot Race at the California Rodeo Salinas.

The fifth annual Ag Against Hunger Produce Mascot Race makes its appearance on “Fight Hunger Night” Friday, July 17^th at the California Rodeo Salinas. The track will be full of giant mascots who will race toward the finish line in a sprint combined with a special challenge. Those companies who have mascots committed to race this year are: Bengard Farms, Church Brothers, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Mann Packing, Ocean Mist, Pacific International Marketing, Sakata Seeds, Tanimura & Antle, Taylor Farms and The Nunes Company.

Each company pays an entry fee of $1000 that is donated directly to Ag Against Hunger. The entry fees along with a few other donations resulted in the California Rodeo Salinas donating over $45,000 to Ag Against Hunger over 5 years.

Ag Against Hunger (AAH), started in 1990, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger by creating a connection between the agricultural community and food assistance programs. They now distribute an average of over 12 million pounds annually to their food bank partners. The Rodeo and Ag Against Hunger came up with the idea of racing mascots in 2011 and the program has been a success ever since. Without the support of local sponsors, this race and monetary donation would not be possible.

The Ag Against Hunger Produce Mascot Race is included in general admission for the California Rodeo Salinas. Tickets may be purchased at www.carodeo.com or at the Salinas Sports Complex Box Office. For more information on Ag Against Hunger, please visit againsthunger.org. 

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 at -www.facebook.com/CARodeoSalinas or follow us on twitter @CaliforniaRodeo for updates, photos and more.