People That Make It Happen

I am honored to represent the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse as their 2025 Captain. I would like to personally thank all the possemen and Posse associate members who tirelessly volunteer their valuable time and energy to help our community youth groups and who create this rodeo event each year. Your many hours of hard work and dedication are what make this event happen.

This community event is only possible with the full support of the County of Tuolumne, the city of Sonora, and all of the major and community business sponsors who so generously contribute year after year to help make the Mother Lode Round-Up weekend happen. Our hats off to you.

The group of men and women in red shirts you see throughout the rodeo are the members of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse and they hope you enjoy the excitement this traditional family gathering brings to the Mother Lode foothills.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. We are honored to have you share your weekend with us.

God bless our country and all our rodeo fans

John Watts
Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse

Michael Kay Johnson was born April 25, 1954, in Sonora to William and Catherine Johnson. He married his high school sweetheart, Wendy, in 1974, celebrating 50 years together in 2024.

They have three children, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Michael followed his father’s legacy by joining the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse in 1977, becoming captain in 1987. His family cherishes memories of rodeos, parades and posse camping trips. A lifelong rancher, he managed the family’s eight-generation cattle ranch while working as a millwright and equipment operator.

Retiring in 2016, he now enjoys traveling with Wendy to support their grandchildren’s many activities. Above all, Michael is most proud to be “papa,” cherishing time with family and preserving the ranching legacy.

Johnson, 70, will be 71 later this month. He has lived all his life in Tuolumne County. It’s his first time being Mother Lode Roundup Grand Marshal. His father was a cofounder of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse in 1948.