Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer

A select group of ladies were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo for the inaugural Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer event.

Professional cowboys provided lessons in roping, bucking and other rodeo clinics.

This year, cowboys chose to give the proceeds to Mission Hope Cancer Center.

“You’ve got world champions, hall of fame cowboys and they’re all doing this to give back to Santa Maria,” said Darci Agin, a coordinator of Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer.

Participants were treated to a whiskey and wine tasting as well as a Santa Maria style barbecue.

Cowboys were also auctioned off, where the highest bidder was escorted into Saturday night’s show with one of them.

Darci Agin says this year was intentionally kept to a small group but next year she plans Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer to be much bigger.