SALINAS VALLEY — Rose Escobar of Salinas has been crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2023 and will represent the California Rodeo Salinas as an ambassador for the event and western lifestyle over the next year.
The annual competition took place over two days, July 7-8, at the Salinas Sports Complex with five contestants participating: Escobar, Miss Salinas Valley Wine Country Pro Rodeo; Sydney Goldwyn, Miss Cal Poly Rodeo Team; Karina Leyva, Miss Hope, Horses and Kids; Macee Nunes, Miss Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse; and Karissa Rogers, Miss Rodeo Oakdale.
Sponsored by Holiday Inn Express and Suites, the 2023 contest concluded with an awards ceremony, during which Escobar received the coveted title. Rogers earned first runner-up honors, while Nunes was second runner-up.
Each contestant was evaluated on such categories as personality and appearance, scholarship and horsemanship.
Escobar was the winner of the personality, horsemanship and appearance categories, while Rogers won the scholarship portion of the competition. Leyva received the congeniality award, voted on by fellow contestants.
As Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2023, Escobar received a $3,000 educational scholarship, a gold and silver belt buckle, a gold and silver tiara sponsored by the Harden Foundation, the use of a two-horse trailer for the next year and many other gifts and awards.
She will also travel to rodeos, parades and other community celebrations throughout California as the Rodeo’s official ambassador.
A proud resident of the Salinas Valley, Escobar has a love for western heritage and her community.
Her passion for helping others led her to a career with a national investment management firm as a client associate. While continuing to further herself in this career, she will soon receive certification to become a registered client associate.
Competing in barrel races and ranch rodeos for the past 11 years, Escobar has grown to love the western way of life. As a member of the West Coast Barrel Racing Association, she has qualified and competed against many women she grew up idolizing.
“Rose recognizes the importance of supporting young rodeo athletes who are the future of the sport,” according to Rodeo officials.
Her free time is spent volunteering with California High School Rodeo Association (CHSRA) and the King City Stampede Pro Rodeo, serving as chair on several committees. Without hesitation, she recently accepted an invitation to coordinate the local CHSRA queen competition.
“Honored with the opportunity to compete for Miss California Rodeo Salinas, Rose is also living out a childhood dream,” stated Rodeo officials. “Rose’s grandmother ran for California Rodeo Hostess in 1958, and that has further fueled her passion and drive to compete for this title while representing her local community.”
The 2023 California Rodeo Salinas takes place July 20-23. For more information, visit CARodeo.com.
