Somewhere between the bull riding, fireworks, mutton bustin’ and thousands of cheering fans, Adam Frick has spent the last 20 years becoming a vital part of the Folsom Pro Rodeo itself.
This year, the colorful longtime rodeo emcee returns to Dan Russell Arena with a new title to go along with his microphone: Rodeo Legend.
Earlier this year, Frick was inducted into the Folsom Pro Rodeo’s prestigious Rodeo Legends program, recognizing individuals whose contributions have helped shape one of Folsom’s most beloved traditions. Now, as the Folsom Pro Rodeo prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary, America’s 250th anniversary and the City of Folsom’s 80th birthday, Frick is preparing to mark another milestone of his own—his 20th year behind the microphone as the voice of the rodeo.
For two decades, Frick has done far more than announce events from behind a microphone and that’s no even the day job for the co-owner/founder of Folsom Times. He has become part of the show itself, helping energize crowds, entertain families and create memorable moments that have become woven into the fabric of the annual Independence Day tradition.
Whether introducing rodeo competitors, rallying fans during arena contests or filling time between events with humor and audience interaction, Frick has become one of the most recognizable personalities associated with the Folsom Pro Rodeo.
Over the years, his role has expanded far beyond simply making announcements.
Anyone who has attended the rodeo during Frick’s tenure has likely witnessed his willingness to do just about anything to entertain a crowd. Throughout the years he has danced in the arena, performed on stilts, ridden a hoverboard and even bungee jumped, all in the name of creating memorable experiences for rodeo fans.
That willingness to embrace the fun side of the rodeo is one of the reasons organizers say he has become such an important part of the event’s success.
Earlier this year, those contributions were formally recognized when Frick was inducted into the Rodeo Legends program, an honor many describe as the Folsom Pro Rodeo’s equivalent of a Hall of Fame.
The recognition is reserved for individuals whose dedication, service and contributions have helped preserve and strengthen the rodeo through the years while ensuring future generations can continue enjoying one of Folsom’s most cherished traditions.
For Frick, the recognition carries special meaning because of the role the rodeo has played in his life for more than two decades.
“Being inducted into the Legends of the Folsom Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame is an incredible honor and something I never imagined when I first started volunteering more than 20 years ago,” Frick said. “The rodeo has always been much more than a three-day event to me — it’s a family, a tradition, and one of the things that makes Folsom such a special community.”
Frick reflected on the many roles he has filled throughout the years, from helping create and manage the Saloon Under the Stars to spending two decades entertaining crowds as Uncle Sam and serving as an arena emcee. But the Legends honor still wasn’t the biggest rodeo moment for him as nothing will surpass the moment in 2021 when he proposed to his wife Megan during the event.
“More than anything, I’m grateful for the friendships, memories, and the opportunity to give back to an event that has given so much to our community,” Frick said. “I’m humbled to join the incredible group of individuals who have helped make the Folsom Pro Rodeo what it is today.”
During the induction ceremony, longtime friend and community leader Taryn Grows delivered one of the evening’s most memorable presentations, reflecting on Frick’s decades of service to the rodeo and the many roles he has played throughout the years.
Grows joked that Frick’s connection to the event stretches back almost as far as the rodeo itself.
“Adam, I think you’ve been around 64 of them,” she said, drawing laughter from the audience.
She went on to explain that the beauty of the Rodeo Legends recognition lies in honoring individuals who embody the spirit of what the rodeo means to the community.
Frick, she noted, has worn “so many hats—literally so many hats” throughout his years of involvement.
Those roles have included entertainer, announcer, promoter, volunteer, ambassador and crowd favorite. Through it all, Grows said, Frick has helped create memories that have become part of the rodeo’s history.
Among those memories, one stands above the rest.
“One of my fondest memories of this man is the day he decided to propose to his now wife in the middle of the rodeo arena,” Grows said. “It was one of the greatest honors I’ve ever been a part of.”
For longtime rodeo fans, that proposal remains one of many moments that helped cement Frick’s place in the event’s modern history.
The connection between Frick and the rodeo extends well beyond his role as emcee. Throughout his involvement, he has consistently helped promote the event, support its charitable mission and serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the tradition.
The Folsom Pro Rodeo itself has grown substantially during Frick’s 20 years behind the microphone. What began as a community rodeo in 1960 has evolved into one of California’s premier Independence Day celebrations, attracting thousands of spectators each year while maintaining the hometown atmosphere that has defined the event for generations.
This year’s edition carries even greater significance. The 2026 event marks the rodeo’s 65th anniversary while also serving as part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and the City of Folsom’s ongoing 80th anniversary celebration.
For Frick, the milestone year arrives with the added distinction of joining a select group of individuals whose contributions have earned them Rodeo Legend status. While he may now officially carry that title, those who know him best would likely say the honor simply formalizes what many rodeo fans have felt for years—that Frick has become part of the rodeo’s identity.
As the lights come on and the first announcements echo across Dan Russell Arena next week, thousands of fans will once again hear a familiar voice welcoming them to one of Folsom’s favorite traditions.
And for the newly inducted Rodeo Legend, it will be another opportunity to do what he has done for two decades: help create a memorable experience for the families, friends and visitors who gather each year to celebrate rodeo, patriotism and community.
Frick now joins an elite group of individuals who have been recognized as Folsom Pro Rodeo Legends—men and women whose dedication, vision and countless hours of service helped shape the event into one of Northern California’s premier rodeos.
The story begins with Dan Russell Sr., who played a pivotal role in founding the event in 1960. As the longtime owner of Russell Ranch—one of Folsom’s earliest and largest ranching operations—Russell provided both the land and the leadership needed to launch a full-scale rodeo that celebrated the region’s western heritage. His vision laid the foundation for what has become one of Northern California’s most enduring Fourth of July traditions.
Another cornerstone figure was Jim “Digger” Williams, affectionately known as the rodeo’s “Arena Boss.” For nearly the entire history of the event, Williams devoted himself to making sure every performance ran seamlessly. From before sunrise until long after the final fireworks faded, he could be found driving tractors, coordinating volunteers, managing logistics and solving problems before anyone else knew they existed. His tireless work behind the scenes made him legendary not for what spectators saw, but for everything they never had to notice.
No history of the Folsom Pro Rodeo would be complete without Cotton Rosser. As owner of the Flying U Rodeo Company, Rosser supplied world-class livestock, top competitors, renowned rodeo clowns and thrilling specialty acts. His decades-long partnership elevated the quality of the event year after year, helping establish Folsom as one of California’s premier rodeo destinations.
Robert Smith, known simply as “Smitty” to generations of volunteers, became one of the rodeo’s most dependable workhorses. For more than 35 years, he was among the first to arrive and the last to leave, quietly taking on whatever task needed to be done to keep the event operating smoothly. Recognition was never his goal, but his impact was undeniable.
As the rodeo’s first chairman, Steve Beneto helped establish the framework for what would become a thriving annual tradition. Through steady leadership and a clear vision, he guided the young event from its earliest days into a respected stop on the regional rodeo circuit.
Michael Riedinger forever changed the rodeo’s social atmosphere by creating Mike’s Golden Spike Saloon, a gathering place where cowboys, volunteers and spectators could come together after each night’s performance. His vision added a new tradition to the rodeo experience that continues today.
For thousands of children and their families, Sharon Williams became known as the beloved “Mutton Bustin’ Mama.” With patience, encouragement and a reassuring smile, she helped as many as 20 young riders prepare for the arena each night, turning nervous moments into unforgettable memories.
Following in Digger Williams’ footsteps, Michael Nunes assumed the demanding role of Arena Boss. As the leader of the rodeo’s volunteer crew, he brought organization, energy and calm leadership to every performance, helping ensure the event continued to run smoothly year after year.
Joe Gurnsey earned a reputation as the volunteer who could do just about anything. Whether hanging banners, hauling equipment, serving as night watchman or tackling countless other jobs, he stepped in wherever he was needed with quiet dedication and unwavering pride.
Pam Christianson brought organization, compassion and plenty of homemade brownies to the mutton bustin’ crew. She fitted each young rider with safety gear, reassured anxious parents and kept the backstage operation running with remarkable efficiency.
Former Folsom Chevrolet owner Marshal Crossan became one of the rodeo’s longest-serving supporters. For more than four decades, from the 1980s through 2021, Crossan not only sponsored the event but remained actively involved on the grounds, helping wherever needed while championing the rodeo’s continued success.
Rich Fiutko carried on the Golden Spike Saloon tradition after Riedinger, transforming it into today’s Saloon Under the Stars. Each year he led the effort to rebuild the popular gathering place while also volunteering throughout the grounds, assisting with gates, beverage operations and countless other responsibilities.
Karen West became the steady, dependable face of front gate operations. Whether greeting guests, resolving ticket issues or managing the flow of thousands of attendees, she provided the calm leadership that volunteers and staff depended upon. Her dedication was later recognized when one of the rodeo’s entrance gates was named in her honor.
From his first day as a volunteer, Tom Lewis brought kindness, dedication and a strong work ethic to the rodeo. Over the years he rose through the organization’s leadership, helping preserve the values of hospitality, professionalism and community service that continue to define the event.
Rich Reynolds first experienced the Folsom Pro Rodeo as a competitor, participating in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and even serving as a bullfighter during the 1970s. Today, as arena director, he draws upon decades of firsthand rodeo experience to oversee each night’s performances and help carry the tradition into the future.
Together, these Rodeo Legends represent the heart and soul of the Folsom Pro Rodeo. Their collective vision, leadership and countless volunteer hours have helped build an event that has entertained generations while preserving Folsom’s western heritage. As the community gathers once again for this year’s celebration, their legacy will be reflected in every ride, every volunteer and every cheering fan. More about each Folsom Pro Rodeo Legend can be found at folsomprorodeo.com.
The 2026 Folsom Pro Rodeo takes place July 2, 3 and 4 at Dan Russell Arena. Gates open nightly at 5 p.m., preshow activities begin at 6 p.m., and rodeo action gets underway at 7:30 p.m.
Fans can expect three nights of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competition featuring bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping and other rodeo favorites. Returning attractions include the Flying Cowboys, Bull Jumping, the nationally acclaimed Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers and mutton bustin’ for young riders.
Each evening concludes with a fireworks display above Dan Russell Arena, continuing one of the event’s most beloved traditions.
Beyond the arena action, guests can enjoy food vendors, merchandise booths and the popular Saloon Under the Stars, which has become a favorite gathering place during rodeo week.
Tickets are available in several options, including $30 general admission seating, $45 reserved seating, $65 premier reserved seating and the premium Corral Club experience for $85. Family Packs that include four general admission tickets are also available for $110, while children ages 2 and younger are admitted free when seated on a parent or guardian’s lap.
As the rodeo celebrates 65 years, Folsom marks its 80th anniversary and the nation commemorates 250 years of independence, one familiar voice will once again help bring it all together from the center of the arena.
Twenty years after first stepping behind the microphone, Adam Frick returns to the Folsom Pro Rodeo not only as its longtime emcee, but now as an official Rodeo Legend. Tickets and complete event information are available at folsomprorodeo.com.
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