Tucked away in the rolling golden foothills of Merced County, Snelling, California may be small in size, but it’s packed with history, grit, and that old-school charm you just can’t fake. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, where the river still flows steady and wide, and where stories of ranchers, pioneers, and prospectors still hang in the warm valley air.
Originally established in the mid-1800s, Snelling was once the county seat of Merced County, back when it served as a key stop for miners headed to the Sierra Nevada during the California Gold Rush. You can still visit the historic courthouse, built in 1857, which happens to be the oldest operating courthouse in California. The town got its name from Charles Snelling, a storekeeper who built one of the first buildings in the area — and over time, his name became stitched into the fabric of local legend.
Snelling is more than a dot on the map — it’s a living, breathing piece of the American West. From cattle ranches and almond groves to fishing along the Merced River, it’s a place where folks still wave when they drive by, and where neighbors look out for each other. That spirit of community, hard work, and frontier pride is exactly why the Snelling Rodeo Committee is proud to announce BUCKING ON THE RIVER, the First Annual Snelling Rodeo, happening SUMMER 2026.
This isn’t just another event — it’s the start of a new tradition. One that tips its hat to the past while kicking up dust and charging full-speed into the future. So mark your calendars, grab your boots, and get ready to celebrate Snelling the cowboy way — with broncs, bulls, and a whole lot of heart.