Rodeo Big Week events return to Salinas
SALINAS — California Rodeo Salinas will kick off Big Week with the return of the annual carnival and Kiddie Kapers Parade, offering family-friendly activities throughout July.
The California Rodeo Salinas Carnival opens July 10 and runs through July 19 from 3 to 11 p.m. daily at 295 Sun Way in Salinas. Presented by Chick-fil-A, North Salinas, the carnival will feature rides, games and food operated by Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun. Unlimited ride wristbands are available online at CARodeo.com and at the Salinas Sports Complex Ticket Office, 1034 N. Main St.
The 95th annual Kiddie Kapers Parade will follow on Sunday, July 12, at 3 p.m. in Salinas City Center. Presented by Bay & Basin Insurance Services, the free event invites children of all ages to participate with decorated bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers, costumes and community groups. This year’s parade theme is “America Salutes Red, White & Boots.” More than 1,200 children are expected to participate, with each receiving a commemorative ribbon, a $1 bill and coupons from local merchants. First-place winners in each division will receive cash prizes and recognition.
The 2026 grand marshal is Addison Joy McWherter, the California Rodeo Association’s 2025 Golden Circle of Champions delegate. Known as “JoyJoy,” McWherter has inspired the community with her courage and resilience while undergoing treatment for Stage 4 neuroblastoma, which she was diagnosed with in 2023.
For more information about the carnival, Kiddie Kapers Parade and other Big Week events, visit CARodeo.com.
Republican Women to honor scholarship recipients
KING CITY — Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will host its monthly meeting Tuesday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. at Cork and Plough Restaurant, 200 Broadway, in King City.
The club’s scholarship recipients will be honored and receive their scholarship checks during the meeting.
The event is open to the public. For reservations or more information, call 831-385-1333 or email ka************@***il.com.
Alliance on Aging offers free estate planning series
SALINAS — Alliance on Aging will host a free two-part educational series this summer covering charitable giving and estate planning.
The series, “Plan Today. Give Tomorrow. Impact Generations.,” begins with “Charitable Giving” on July 14, followed by “Creating an Estate Plan” on Aug. 19. Both sessions will be held at The HUB, 236 Monterey St. in Salinas.
Attendees may arrive at 12:30 p.m. for a complimentary lunch before presentations begin at 1 p.m. The sessions, presented in partnership with financial adviser Joseph A. Arellano Jimenez of Edward Jones, will include question-and-answer opportunities.
“Many people want to support the causes they care about and ensure their loved ones are protected, but they often don’t know where to begin,” said Nicki Pasculli, development director for Alliance on Aging. “This series provides practical, easy-to-understand information that helps individuals make informed decisions about charitable giving, estate planning and the legacy they want to leave for future generations.”
The events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited to 50 attendees in person, with a Zoom option also available. Advance reservations are encouraged.
For more information or to reserve a seat, call 831-655-7564 or email np*******@*************ng.org.
Monterey County Works hosts July hiring events
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Works will host two in-person hiring events this month to connect job seekers with local employers.
An industry recruitment event focused on hospitality jobs is scheduled for July 15 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Monterey County Works Salinas Career Center, 344 Salinas St., Suite 203. A multiple-employer job fair will be held July 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the career center, 344 Salinas St., Suites 205-206.
Job seekers do not need to register in advance. Organizers encourage attendees to dress professionally, bring copies of their resumes and review the Monterey County Works calendar to see which employers will be participating.
“Just dress your best, bring your resume and be ready to make the connections,” Executive Director Christopher Donnelly said. “See you there!”
Employers interested in participating are encouraged to register through Monterey County Works at montereycountyworks.com.
