The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum celebrates its 31st annual Vaquero Show and Sale event Nov. 13 through 15 at the museum, which will become an epicenter of vaquero and cowboy culture for the weekend. Vaquero is the name for the California cowboys of the Mission and Rancho periods in the state’s history, when the amalgamation of Spanish, Native American, Mexican, and “Gringo” horse and cattle craft created a distinct style, culture, and lifestyle.
The annual Vaquero Show and Sale will showcase the work of more than 50 noted artisans, craftsmen, and collectors who will display and sell leather saddles, braided riatas, spurs, bridles, bits, reins, and other horse tack as well as Western art, apparel, memorabilia, jewelry, leather goods, books, and collectibles. The event is one of the largest of its kind in California, showcasing not just arts and goods, but expertise as well.
The celebration begins with a preview party and dinner on Nov. 13 at 4:30 p.m., which includes live music by Steve Woods, silent auctions, buffet dinner, and educational exhibits by the Historical Museum. The festivities on Nov. 14 open with a demonstration at 11 a.m. by Pat Puckett, an expert roper. Ramon Becerra demonstrates Californio horse training techniques at 2 p.m. that day.
An Evening of Cowboy Poetry and Humor with cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell happens at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16, tickets are $20.
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum is located at 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More information is available at 688-7889 or santaynezmuseum.org.
This article appears in Nov 12-19, 2015.
