A brand-new event is coming to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds this September, and organizers are inviting heavy equipment operators from throughout the Sierra foothills, Central Valley, and across California to become part of what they hope will grow into a long-standing community tradition.
The inaugural No-Bull Equipment Rodeo will take place on Saturday, September 12, bringing together skilled equipment operators, local businesses, families, and community members for a unique competition that celebrates the men and women who help build the communities we call home.
While the event will feature exciting challenges involving excavators, backhoes, and skid loaders, organizers say the rodeo is about much more than competition.
“It’s really about recognizing a group of people whose work touches every one of our lives,” said organizer Jennifer Rogers.
“The roads we drive on, the homes we live in, the schools our children attend, and much of the infrastructure we depend on every day exist because of the skill and dedication of equipment operators. Their work is all around us, but they rarely receive the recognition they deserve.”
The event was also put together to benefit The Perspectives Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth facing adversity, justice-involved individuals, and others overcoming significant challenges discover resilience, purpose, and opportunities for positive change in their lives.
So organizers are looking for competitors willing to put their skills to the test for a good cause, great awards and, of course, bragging rights.
There will be five equipment-based competitions designed to showcase precision, control, and skill. Planned events include Excavator Tire Tennis, Excavator Hole-in-One, Backhoe Basketball, Backhoe Manipulation, and a Skid Loader Obstacle Course.
Participation is limited to just 14 competitors in each event, creating a unique opportunity for operators to become part of the inaugural year of what organizers hope becomes an annual destination event in the Sierra foothills.
Competitors may enter one event or all five, with both Open and Novice divisions available. First- and second-place awards will be presented in each competition, while one participant will earn the title of No-Bull Grand Champion and take home the event’s championship buckle.
Organizers believe the competition will appeal not only to local operators but also to contractors, construction professionals, agricultural operators, and equipment enthusiasts from throughout California.
“We’d love to see competitors come from all over the state,” Rogers said. “This is an opportunity to showcase some incredible talent, have fun, and help build something special from the ground floor.”
Beyond the competitions, the No-Bull Equipment Rodeo is being planned as a full-day community event featuring food vendors, live music, a beer garden, vendor booths, a kids zone, and activities for all ages.
Organizers are also seeking sponsors and vendors interested in becoming part of the inaugural event. Sponsorships will help support both the rodeo and the mission of The Perspectives Project while helping establish a new community tradition that celebrates skilled trades and the people behind them.
For Rogers, the event represents an opportunity to bring people together around a shared appreciation for hard work, craftsmanship, and community.
“These operators build the foundations of our communities,” Rogers said. “We wanted to create an event that recognizes their contributions while also supporting a cause that helps people build stronger foundations in their own lives.”
With competitor registration now open and space limited, organizers encourage interested participants, sponsors, and vendors to get involved early.
Additional information, including competitor registration, sponsorship opportunities, and vendor applications can be found at No-BullRodeo.com.
