When it comes to the Folsom Pro Rodeo and events of its likeness across the region, nothing brings patriotism to life like the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers who are an iconic fixture of the Folsom Pro Rodeo year after year.
Known for their elaborate donning of the red white and blue, The Painted Ladies are truly one of the iconic components of the annual Folsom Pro Rodeo that opens this Saturday for its 62ndedition so sold out audiences on all three nights.
An extreme drill team that brings crowds to their feet, the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers (PLRP) participate in multiple events. While Folsom residents see them at the local rodeo, parade and the annual Hangtown Motocross, those events are just a fraction of all they do each year.
Locally, they have also performed at Sacramento River Cats games, the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Southern California as well as in the Tournament of Roses Parade, taking the pride of Folsom to national television.
The PLRP is made of a group of hard-working, dedicated equestriennes who volunteer their time to promote their love of horses and drill and share it with our audiences in a show they will long remember.
“We take considerable pride in the fact that the sport of equestrian drill has afforded us many cherished opportunities throughout the years to give back to our community,” reads the motto of the PLRP. “One of our most meaningful contributions yet, has been resurrecting the annual Miss Folsom Pro Rodeo Queen and the contest and engaging hundreds of residents who come out to support the contest and kick off the rodeo.”
Founded by Jennifer Macias-Sweeney, who continues to lead the team today, the Painted Ladies have been performing as a team now for more than 26 years. Their high-energy drill is set to a musical landscape of personally mixed tracks that consist of today’s hottest music, interlaced with those spellbinding and nostalgic throwback compositions that uplift audiences year after year.
This year should be another spectacular performance at Dan Russell Arena. With added seating amenities, the Folsom Pro Rodeo is set to entertain some 22,000 spectators during its three-day run that begins Saturday July 1 and concludes July 3. In addition to the performances by the Painted Ladies, the 62nd edition of this summer classic brings all the favorite events back including Mutton Busting, Barrel Racing, Bronc Riding, Bull Riding and plenty of humor with longtime favorite rodeo clown Matt Merritt.
Images: Folsom Pro Rodeo/Choose Folsom