Posted on October 28, 2021
| 11:01 a.m.
Western artwork depicts a person riding a horse. (Courtesy of artist Ernie Morris)
The 37th Annual Vaquero Gala, Show and Sale, honoring the culture and equine skills of the California vaquero (cowboy), will take place Nov. 12-14 at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House (SYVHM), 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez.
A Friday evening gala, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 12, will feature the annual Vaquero of the Year award presentation, which goes to legendary cattleman John McCarty. Cocktails and wine will be provided by Gainey Vineyards and dinner prepared by Testa Catering.
The Vaquero Show is the museum’s key fundraising event of the year. There will be a live auction offering a variety of exclusive items including a condo stay in Hawaii and a fly-fishing trip. The paddle-raise auction generates funding for the museum’s growing essential programs for school children and adults.
Tickets cost $200 per person and are available by calling 805-688-7889 or on the museum’s website santaynezmuseum.org.
Other events include the Vaquero Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Nov. 14. The shopping experience features noted artisans and collectors from throughout the western United States, as well as local vendors.
Craftspeople will have on display for sale hand-tooled leather saddles, braided Vaquero-styled riatas, bridles, reins, and other Vaquero-inspired horse tack, as well as Western artwork, apparel, jewelry, memorabilia, house decor, and collectibles.
Saturday and Sunday feature also family-oriented activities such as traditional Vaquero horsemanship demonstrations by Heather Kornemann; and demonstrations of traditional dances that were popular during the days of local Vaquero fiestas performed by Baile de California. Visitors can enjoy lunch available for sale catered by the Elks Lodge.
New for 2021 will be a pig roast and barn dance, 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Pork Palace, three miles south of Buellton at 1503 Highway 101.
The crowd, clad in their best jeans and boots, will dance to live country-Western swing music performed by yodeling cowboy Monte Mills & the Lucky Horseshoe Band. A farrier and auctioneer by trade, Mills has been instrumental in keeping traditional Western swing country music alive, introducing it to thousands each year.
Single tickets at $65 and family tickets at $125 may be purchased in advance at the Vaquero Show, online at santaynezmuseum.org, or at the door.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and our valued vendors, we are excited to welcome back our members and visitors, hailing from all over Santa Barbara County and beyond, to our beloved museum and for what promises to be a memorable Vaquero weekend, said Joe Olla, SYVHM immediate past president and 2021 Vaquero organizing committee chair.
“We have worked diligently to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for you to participate in fantastic activities. And it’s a great place to shop for holiday items for family and friends, or yourself, while supporting our mission,” he said.
Vaqueros developed on the expansive cattle ranchos of Central California during the Spanish/Mexican Colonial period. They blended classic European horsemanship and the rough-and-ready riding style of early California ranchers. A distinctive style of apparel, tack, saddles and other unique horse equipment evolved over time.
In the mid-1800s, these skilled horsemen were considered some of the world’s finest equestrians.
“After 20 months of facing challenges due to the pandemic, the SYVHM family is delighted to see familiar and new faces at this year’s Vaquero event,” said Brian Stenfors, museum director. “We put together an amazing array of educational and cultural activities that showcase the spirit of the American West, specifically the Santa Ynez Valley.
“It’s one of the many ways we work to make history come alive and preserve valued traditions for future generations. I encourage people to come out to enjoy the festivities; you’re guaranteed a fun time and it’s a great way to support our non-profit organization.”
SYVHM acknowledges the support of the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation and thanks all Vaquero sponsors.
In accordance with Santa Barbara County Health Department COVID mandates, all patrons must bring and wear a face covering that fully covers both nose and mouth with ear loops (or similar) to hold it securely in place inside the galleries. Bandanas, gaiters and masks with external valves are not permitted. Face shields alone are not adequate protection.
Mask-wearing is also strongly encouraged in outdoor spaces.
For more information or sponsorship, contact Teresa Mills, 805-688-7889 ext. 104 or [email protected]
Founded in 1961, the mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House is the official caretaker of the valley’s cultural history, housing one of the finest collections of antique horse-drawn carriages and wagons in the western U.S., examples of Chumash and other Native American basketry, pottery and artifacts, and horse saddlery and tack from days gone by.
For more, visit www.santaynezmuseum.org.
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