Folsom's Frick is 'grand' as he prepares to lead upcoming Folsom Pro Rodeo

For years, Adam Frick has been a key personality at the Folsom Pro Rodeo. From his quick-witted commentary as an emcee to his patriotic attire dressed as Uncle Sam, the well-known Folsom resident has brought plenty of color to the event and in just three weeks, he takes on a new role as the 2022 Grand Marshal when the event returns July 1, 2 and 3. "It's really special to be named the Grand Marshal of the Folsom Pro Rodeo," said Frick. "I have enjoyed being a part of this event for so many years and have never done it for notoriety. I enjoy making it fun for the fans but this is quite an honor." Today, Frick, 53, and the Folsom Pro Rodeo go together like America and apple pie but it wasn't always that way. Frick will be the first to admit that many years ago when he first moved from Minnesota to Folsom, he had very little interest in the rodeo. "When I moved out here, I quickly adapted to the shorts and flip-flops lifestyle. The weather and warmer nights made that pretty easy to do," said Frick, who was a former health club membership salesman turned club disc jockey when he first came to California in 2001. "People told me I really needed to check out the Folsom Pro Rodeo and how great it was but I really didn't think about it much," admitted Frick. "I didn't even own a pair of jeans or boots at the time." After hearing so many in the community talk about the event, Frick finally decided to check it out. For his first visit to the rodeo, he didn't bother buying boots, jeans or a hat; he went just as he was most of the time, as he signed up to be a bartender at the event. "Yes, that was me, I was the guy at the rodeo in shorts and flip flops," he mused. "People probably remember me because I think I was the only one. But needless to say, I saw how cool of an event this was." Despite the awkward attire, after that one visit, Frick was hooked and ready to go again. As he began to get involved with the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, he soon became involved with the event as an emcee and eventually, his well-known role of Uncle Sam in the arena center. "So instead of being the guy with the least amount of clothes at the rodeo, I am now the one flanked in multiple layers in triple-digit heat. It's kind of ironic, isn't it," said Frick. "It took me a while to start dressing more rodeo-appropriate. I bought myself a pair of leather shoes that looked like boots and faked people out for a few years." Shortly after his first rodeo, Frick noticed the one thing lacking at the event was a professional emcee. He went to the chamber and shared his background and offered his services for the future. He was given a few things to help start with and then asked to emcee the opening ceremonies and mutton busting. Shortly after earning his role, Frick added his patriotic flare to the package. "I said to myself, this event is so patriotic, what it really needs is an Uncle Sam," he said. "I had bought a costume for our neighborhood parade in Briggs Ranch and decided to start wearing it to the rodeo and they really dug it and I have been wearing it ever since." In 2021, the story took a new turn when Uncle Sam married Captain Marvel at the Folsom Pro Rodeo. At the time, Frick and his girlfriend, Megan Demmel, had both been dressing up for the rodeo and other events in the city. He continued as Uncle Sam while she dressed as Captain Marvel to complete the patriotic duo. Wanting to propose, Frick got together with local jeweler Adrian Blanco and Taryn Grows, who worked at the Folsom chamber, and the trio secretly planned the proposal in the arena. Demmel was led to believe they were assisting with a fan's proposal; Frick went as far as arranging for actors to portray the couple-to-be to throw her off until the moment arrived when she realized she was the lucky girl before a capacity crowd cheering for them. "It was not easy to pull off without her suspecting something," said Frick. "Adrian and Tayrn really helped with all of it and it didn't go without his hiccups along the way. I am still amazed Megan didn't find out beforehand." Although he is now the Grand Marshal, you won't see Frick sitting in the VIP section at this year's rodeo. Instead, he will be actively fulfilling his role as the event emcee and of course, Uncle Sam, just as he always has. "I am still going to be doing what I do. Nothing has changed there at all," he said. "I will be a hands-on Grand Marshal, so to speak, with a few added duties." As someone who was reluctant to originally go to the rodeo, Frick has words of advice for those who have never been. "If you are hesitant to attend the rodeo, I encourage you to check it out just like I did," said Frick. "It is Folsom's biggest event; it is non-stop entertainment and it's great for the whole family. It is an experience. I assure you; you'll be back for more." Residents are sure to see Frick around town, promoting the upcoming Rodeo at various events, including the annual Hometown Parade in Historic Folsom next Saturday, June 25. The Folsom Telegraph is a longtime partner and sponsor of the Folsom Pro Rodeo. Plan your rodeo visit this year by reading our official guide to the Folsom Pro Rodeo inserted into the June 23 edition of the newspaper and our expanding rodeo showcase edition of the newspaper on June 30.