Organizers say they expect new events and features and a different marketing approach to again draw big crowds to next week's California Rodeo Salinas.

Last year, about 50,000 people attended during the four-day event, some 1,000 fewer than in 2001. An additional 5,400 attended the Professional Bull Riders Challenge, which is again being held on Wednesday.

New Rodeo Marketing Coordinator Sally Hamana said Friday the annual tradition -- billed in previous years as "the original extreme sport" -- is reaching out to families new to the Salinas area and also to rodeo fans in the Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California.

The Salinas Rodeo offers one of the largest champion buckles and cash pots on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit, Hamana said.

"Of course it is an extreme sport, but we want to remind the public that this is a family event," she said. "We're focusing on Western heritage and all the great family events. People want to be a cowboy for a day."

Ticket sales have been steady, she said, and Rodeo officials say they are on track to match last year's crowds. Advance tickets are still available at the Rodeo's Web site, http://www.carodeo.com/ or by phone.

Along with roping, steer wrestling and riding events, a new act will feature actor Buffalo Breath from Oak Hill, Kan. As part of his comedy show, he has a wagon with several large horses. With a goal of delivering various items such as gunpowder and lingerie, his journey to his destination is interrupted.

"All sorts of mayhem ensues," Hamana said. "He works real well with his team of horses."

For those adults who won't be able to be in the stands to see Buffalo Breath or any of the events, they can head over to the Long Branch, a saloon on the south end of the stadium nearby the large bronze cowboy statue.

The Long Branch will show the competition on four closed-circuit televisions. It also will be complete with a mechanical bull and other coin-operated games seen at other sports bars. Beer company Coors will bring the accessories for the bar, limited to adults 21 and older.

"If you want to get out of the sun or fog, you can catch it on closed-circuit TV," Hamana said.

Rodeo officials also hope the sun and warm temperatures make an appearance. Last year, cold temperatures and clouds covered the area for three of the four rodeo days and the PBR Challenge the night before. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s during the day and low 60s in the evening.

"Hopefully the weather stays beautiful," Hamana said.

Originally published Saturday, July 12, 2003