Interview with Chad Nicholson President of SLO Sherriff’s Rodeo
Can you provide an overview of the Rodeo and its Significance to the community?
The SLO County Sheriff’s Rodeo was created to promote community togetherness, law enforcement, and the Western way of life. Sheriff Parkinson and everyone involved wanted to create a family-friendly event that’s economical to attend. By keeping ticket prices extremely low for adults and children free, community members can come enjoy a top-notch rodeo and concert production while supporting law enforcement and the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation. When the rodeo was first created in 2020, there was a significant divide in the country due to the pandemic and civil unrest. The rodeo gave us a way to strengthen the bonds of our community, and to come together and support one another. The Western way of life celebrates the values of family, hard work, determination, and perseverance, all traits that have made our community strong.
What Excites you most about putting on the Sheriff’s Rodeo and what made you produce this idea?
I love the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life. I am the 6th generation to a cattle ranching family here on the Central Coast. Rodeo and the Western way of life is in my blood and something I live on a daily basis. After graduating from Cal Poly and prior to my career in law enforcement, I started my own business in the rodeo production (Team Roping) industry and produced events all over the United States. I also compete in many Team Roping events and rodeos still to this day. Sheriff Parkinson has attended numerous rodeos including the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo. In 2019/2020 he spoke to me about the idea of producing our own rodeo since I had a background in such. I told him I would love to, but if I was going to take on such a task, I wanted to make sure and do it right. I wanted to select the best venue in the county (Paso Robles Events Center), have top-notch production value, top-level contestants, etc. A close friend of mine, Chief Deputy Nate Paul, and I had discussions over the years about rodeo production since he has a background in the sport as well. Nate quickly joined in on this venture we all began planning what is now known as the SLO Sheriff’s Rodeo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
