RED BLUFF, Calif. - More than 150 people gathered at the Tehama County Fairgrounds Tuesday for the first of many events leading up to this weekend's three-day Red Bluff Round-Up.

The Red Bluff Rotary Club hosted the Tough Enough to Wear Pink event benefiting Saint Elizabeth's Community Hospital.

“They had auction items to raise money,” rodeo director Jolene Kemen said. “It's to raise awareness. It helps the rodeo, exposure for the rodeo, kind of a kickoff event.”

But that’s just one example of how the rodeo benefits the community.

“There's just so many things that we do with the rodeo that puts money into the community,” stock contractor John Growley said. “And then the rodeo starts Friday night and then Saturday and Sunday afternoon and you're just going to see some great competition.”

Local cowboy Amir Beardsley has participated in the Red Bluff Round-Up in past years and described the feeling he gets on a bull when that gate swings open.

“It's a real feeling of sublime,” Beardsley said. “It's a lot of adrenaline. It's a lot of fun.”

And even though he’s participated in many other rodeos, for this local boy, the Round-Up holds a special place in his heart.

“It's going to be a whole lot of fun,” he said. “We got some good rodeo action coming up. I think Red Bluff's probably my most favorite rodeo to ride in and watch.”

Growley said the Red Bluff Round Up is one of the top 40 rodeos in the world.

And every year, it draws people from all around the world for the a chance to take part in a true cowboy experience.

“Part of the American dream is being a cowboy,” Growley said. “And I think everybody wants to be a cowboy at least for three days out of the year.”

There's more events happening leading up the start of the rodeo Friday.

The PRCA timed slack event is Wednesday and free to the public.

And the Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce is holding it's mixer on Thursday.

You can click here to download a full list of upcoming events.