Award-winning rodeo entertainer Justin Rumford returns to one of his favorite stops, bringing laughs, energy, and crowd participation to Folsom.
When the mutton bustin’ kicks off, the barrel racers dig in, and the broncs start bucking under the Folsom sky, one familiar figure will be right in the middle of the mayhem—dodging bulls, revving a mini-motorcycle, and riling up the crowd with wild antics and belly laughs. Ten-time PRCA Clown of the Year Justin Rumford returns to the Folsom Pro Rodeo, and for him, this stop isn’t just a crowd favorite—it’s a full-blown party on dirt.
“Folsom’s got the wildest vibe, which is right up my alley,” Rumford said. “It’s hard to explain to people—you’ve got everybody on the side of that hill just going nuts. It’s the best crowd in rodeo.”
The Oklahoma-based entertainer is making his second appearance in Folsom after first visiting in 2021, and he made sure to put it back on his schedule as soon as he could. “I don’t go anywhere I don’t want to go,” he said. “After I got into Folsom last time, I said I want back on the schedule.”
Rumford knows rodeo crowds from coast to coast. Since 2011, he’s traveled the country performing nearly every week from January through November. At 42, he’s still going strong. This week alone, he’s flown from Utah to Colorado, then to Folsom, and will turn right around to entertain at the Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo in Colorado on July 6. From there, it’s a nonstop sprint across the American West.
“We’ll be in hammer time for the next month and a half,” he said. “During December, I work for Resorts World, Las Vegas, so… but, make hay while stone trends, I guess.”
That kind of grind is exactly why Rumford chooses his rodeos carefully—and Folsom, he says, isn’t just a gig, it’s a highlight.
“Well, I think that’s what makes it so cool,” he said. “Especially on the Fourth of July—it’s Americana. The Western way of life, rodeoing and horses and the cowboy way. But the thing is, it’s all wrapped up in the show. The Flying U is the pinnacle of showmanship and putting on an awesome deal.”
Rumford is part of that deal. He isn’t just the guy getting laughs—though he does that exceptionally well with his signature humor, storytelling, cheerleading routines, and mini-motorcycle stunts. He also plays a serious role as the rodeo’s barrelman during bull riding, acting as a safety buffer for fallen riders and bullfighters.
The rodeo life runs deep for Rumford. He comes from a rodeo family and competed for years in events like steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding. But after blowing out a knee, he transitioned into clowning in 2011—and quickly became one of the most recognized and awarded entertainers in the sport.
In addition to his 10 PRCA Clown of the Year titles, Rumford is also a three-time Coors Man in the Can award winner. He’s known for his blend of athleticism, comedy, and creativity, often turning crowd participation into unforgettable moments.
“I tell everybody, some people think it’s silly, but I say every rodeo has its own life force,” Rumford said. “Every rodeo has an energy that’s its own. Folsom is cranked up to 11.”
Even with the chaos of travel and arena life, Rumford manages to keep his family close. He lives in Ponca City, Oklahoma, with his wife Ashley and their 11-year-old triplets. They homeschool and travel together as often as possible, although during quick-turnaround events like Folsom, they’ll sometimes stay behind and meet him further down the trail.
“It’s like going to work with your dad every day, you know?” he said. “But when there’s no downtime, it’s just easier sometimes for the kids to stay in one place. They’ve been to so many rodeos they’re like, ‘You go. We’re gonna go to a Rockies game.’”
Despite the wear and tear that comes with his schedule, Rumford plans to keep going as long as it stays fun—and safe. While his role includes some risk, he emphasizes that being a rodeo entertainer is different than being a bullfighter.
“I mean, honestly, you can do this for a long time,” he said. “There’s danger, of course, but it’s like driving a car. If you don’t know how to drive, you’re gonna get hurt. But if you learn about bulls, respect what they can do, learn the safety things—you’re probably gonna be fine. You can be an entertainer for a long time.”
When he’s not in the arena, Rumford’s entrepreneurial spirit takes over. He co-hosts the popular podcast RümpChätalongside two-time PRCA Music Director of the Year Josh “Hambone” Hilton. With more than 220 episodes and millions of downloads, RümpChät ranks in the top 0.5% of all podcasts globally and among the top 200 comedy podcasts in the United States.
“We’ve got a lot going on,” Rumford said. “We’ve already built five lake homes in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and we’ve got another one going up. We run cattle. And the podcast has been great.”
But for now, the spotlight is back in Folsom—and Rumford wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“There’s rodeos you go to because it’s your job, and there’s rodeos you go to because you enjoy them,” he said. “Folsom is an enjoy rodeo.”
Three Nights of Rodeo Action and Celebration
As Rumford brings his signature energy back to the arena, he joins a lineup of talent and tradition that makes the Folsom Pro Rodeo one of Northern California’s most cherished Independence Day events.
Now in its 64th year, the rodeo returns to Dan Russell Arena from July 3–5 with three nights of professional rodeo, top-tier entertainment, and fireworks-packed patriotism.
What began in 1960 as a modest community gathering has evolved into one of the region’s most beloved Fourth of July events. Blending fierce rodeo competition with hometown charm and patriotic spectacle, the Folsom Pro Rodeo draws thousands annually with its mix of tradition, talent, and thrilling surprises.
Each evening kicks off with a dramatic grand entry and rolls into high-energy PRCA-sanctioned events like bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and breakaway roping. Between events, fans are treated to jaw-dropping acts including trick roping, the high-flying stunts of the Flying Cowboys, and the return of Bull Jumping—where fearless athletes go toe-to-toe with charging bulls in one of rodeo’s most daring disciplines.
The Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers will return with their patriotic equestrian routines, while mutton bustin’ brings the youngest cowboys and cowgirls into the spotlight as they try to hang on to sprinting sheep for a ride they’ll never forget.
Each night concludes with a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the sky above the arena—a signature that’s become as much a part of the Folsom Pro Rodeo as the competition itself.
Off the dirt, guests can enjoy shaded seating, a family-friendly festival atmosphere, a variety of food and vendor booths, and the Saloon Under the Stars, a social lounge with live music and cold refreshments.
Choose Folsom and SacRT are once again partnering to offer free light rail service to the event with a valid admission ticket, along with a free trolley shuttle to the venue. Special hotel packages are also available, including complimentary rodeo tickets and paddleboard passes for guests who book two-night stays from July 3–5 at participating properties.
Tickets for Thursday, July 3, are sold out, but seats remain for July 4 and 5. General admission, family packs, VIP, and premium hospitality options are available now at www.folsomprorodeo.com.
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