SALINAS VALLEY — Mayson Bothwell of King City has been crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2022 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 four contestants participating: Bothwell, Miss La Grange Rodeo Princess; Rose Escobar, Miss Salinas Valley Wine Country Pro Rodeo; Macee Nunes, Miss West Hills College Rodeo; and Chelsea Rogell, Miss California Gymkhana Association District 14.
Presented by Holiday Inn Express and Suites, the 2022 contest concluded July 9 with an awards ceremony, during which Bothwell received the coveted title. Escobar earned first runner-up honors, while Rogell was second runner-up.
Each contestant was evaluated on the following categories: personality and appearance, scholarship and horsemanship. Bothwell was the winner of the personality, horsemanship and appearance categories, while Escobar won the scholarship portion of the competition. Rogell received the congeniality award, voted on by fellow contestants.
As this year’s winner, Bothwell 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.
Bothwell hails originally from Livermore but now lives near King City. She is currently attending Cuesta College to pursue a degree in agricultural business, with the goal of becoming a cattle brand inspector.
Previously a member of the Future Farmers of America, Bothwell plans to continue being an advocate for the agricultural industry and to strive for the knowledge and understanding of what it will take to keep the industry strong.
“Familiar with the responsibilities of a rodeo ambassador, Mayson is dedicated to educating the next generation of young cowboys and cowgirls,” rodeo officials said.
The 2022 California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 21-24 at the Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main St. in Salinas. For more information, visit carodeo.com.