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The Big Hat BBQ celebrates its 111th rendition in July of 2024
The Big Hat was started in 1913 by California Rodeo Director Bill Jeffery when he heard a train was coming with 1,700 people to watch the rodeo. Jeffrey decided to throw a BBQ in downtown Salinas on a vacant lot. He called in favors and help from all over Salinas to build tables, dig pits and bring meat, bread and food. In 1946, The Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse took over the Big Hat BBQ and continues the tradition as a kickoff To the Salinas California Rodeo.