The pueblo of Descanso will again host the annual Vaquero Days, this time on Saturday and Sunday Oct. 20-21. This is the 15th year for this trip to the back country. We encourage you to bring your horses and enjoy our mountain home. Ranching is what has settled the frontier of the West and roping those little doggies is part of that heritage. This year, to encourage new beginners, we are having a “break-away roping,” which means your rope has a loop on the end that releases once you catch the cattle and sets the animal free without having to wrestle him to get your rope off. See our website at www.vaquerodays.org for details.
Three-man roping and a special piales roping will test the skill of the more advanced roper. You can evaluate how your ranch horse is doing in the Ranch Horse Competition or test out your favorite dog in the Cow Dog Trials. A trail ride into Cuyamaca State Park might be more for your liking. We may also have a gymkhana type event for the racy set. Mark your calendars and come on up.
In the round pen this year Jerry Tindell will be doing what he does best, helping young horses get started and troubled horses or riders to get through whatever problems they may be having with one another. The “Horse’s Friend,” Stan Kruml, the colorful Mustang trainer, brings his skills with horses to our event. The world-famous Leslie Desmond returns with the wisdom left to her from Bill Dorrance, and our local reining champion, Lee Graff, will share her secrets for getting the most from your performance horse.
A shaded canopy on the terrace above the main event arena will comfort you while you enjoy the gourmet meals prepared by Jim Sheridan and his crew and listen to the music coming from the barn behind you. We have another cast of great performers lined up to dazzle you with their poetry and music in the barn next to the vendors. Old friends will return and new ones will be made, but only if you attend.
Juni Fisher, a wonderfully talented singer and songwriter, will bring her venue to the Descanso Town Hall. If you have not heard her before, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to enjoy her in the intimate atmosphere of our 100 year old restored community center. Beforehand, beginning at 4 p.m., we will be treated to a Western art preview and show of the work of Kelly Donovan, Bonnie Shields, Betty Billups, Leslie Ann Webb and R.P Kidd. Be sure to be on hand to meet these nationally recognized artists. There will be a wine and cheese reception for your enjoyment. On Saturday night the Descanso Junction Restaurant will host a dinner and dance.
Make plans to be on hand for the entire weekend. Camping is free in the meadow behind the barns, but make note that there are no facilities other than water. We look forward to seeing your friendly face wearing your best old-time outfits.
Learning how to create the necessities of ranch life has always been our purpose. In honor of Granny Martin we will have demonstrations of much of what he passed on to all of us. Reata making, leather work, silversmithing, braiding, blacksmithing, Chuck Wagon cooking and even a mountain man camp and roping. We have something for every one.
For more information, please visit www.vaquerodays.org.