Presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum
Heel Shot, 15 x 20 watercolor. Paul Sollosy, (1911-2012). Courtesy of the artist, 2006 Honored Vaquero Artist
SANTA YNEZ — Mark your calendar for one of Santa Ynez Valley’s most popular fall events, celebrating Western lifestyle and horsemanship in the community! The public is invited to attend the 35rd annual Vaquero Gala, Show & Sale from Friday, November 8 through Sunday, November 10, 2019, honoring the unique culture and equine skills of the California “Vaquero” (cowboy). The weekend fundraising event is hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum (SYVHM) and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, located at 3596 Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez, California. Tickets cost is $150 per person for the popular Friday evening Gala that takes place from 5pm to 10pm – a historically sell-out event. They are on sale now and may be purchased on the Museum’s website: santaynezmuseum.org. Plans for the celebration include a Sale preview party, cocktails, a fall dinner feast, presentation of the annual “Vaquero of the Year” award and live music. The annual Vaquero Show is the Museum’s most critical fundraising event of the year. There will be both live and silent auctions with a wide variety of exclusive items available to bid on including trips to Mexico, Hawaii, fly fishing, dinner parties, wine tours and much more. The paddle raise auction generates funding for the Museum’s growing educational program for school children and adults.
The fun continues on Saturday November 9th from 10 am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 3pm during the Vaquero Sale. Attendees will enjoy a shopping experience that features a gathering of noted artisans and collectors from throughout the western United States. The 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 quality Western artwork, apparel, jewelry, memorabilia, house decor and collectables. Both days feature a variety of fun things to do for the entire family. There will be a traditional Vaquero horsemanship demonstration with Bruce Sandifer, Jeff Mundell & other experts on Saturday 11am to noon, 2pm to 3pm, and again on Sunday from 11am to noon. There will also be performances by a traditional Californio Folkloricos dance ensemble on Saturday from 10am to 11am and again on Sunday at 2pm. On both days, visitors will enjoy live music and lunch at “Café Vaquero,” presented by Kurt Alldredge of The Chef’s Touch.
According to Charlotte Beccera, SYVHM Board Member and Vaquero Show Event Committee Member, “We have worked so hard this year to not only keep our fantastic mainstay vendors but also bring in new, high-quality vendors for our attendees to visit and shop with. We will have a solid array of art, tack, gear, collectibles, artifacts, jewelry and more. Our attendees come year after year expecting the best of the Vaquero world and it has been our goal this year to deliver just that.”
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. These skilled horsemen were, in the mid-1800s, considered some of the finest equestrians in the world. The rich Vaquero culture continues to thrive today, as seen at the Museum’s 35th annual traditional fall celebration, which honors these skilled horsemen and their craft.
Brian Stenfors, Ph.D., Museum Director, points out that “The Museum’s Vaquero celebration showcases the positive energy and spirit of Valley residents and our members. It’s one of the many ways we work to make history come alive and present 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. We like to express our thank to this year’s sponsors to date: The Paul Slavik Family, Elliott & Pohls Construction, Riata Oaks-Nick Vande Steeg, Montecito Bank and Trust, WealthSource Partners, C&D, llp, Bright Event Rentals, Nirvana Hyperbaric Institute and Mechanics Bank.
For more information or sponsorship, please contact Teresa Mills at (805) 688-7889 Ext. 104 or at info@santaynezmuseum.org
About SYVHM: Founded in 1961, the mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House is “Preserving, interpreting and celebrating the history of human experience in California’s Santa Ynez Valley and Central Coast by informing, educating, inspiring and engaging Museum guests of all ages and backgrounds.” The Museum is the official caretaker of the Valley’s rich cultural history, housing one of the finest collections of antique, horse-drawn carriages and wagons in the Western United States, examples of finely crafted Chumash and other Native American basketry, pottery and artifacts, one-of-a-kind horse saddlery and tack from days gone by and Western sculptures, paintings, books and handicrafts. As the “hub” for social gatherings in the Valley, the Museum sponsors events and celebrations throughout the year including gallery openings, Festival of the Vines, Vaquero Gala, Show and Sale, Wild West Camp and educational tours for children and food and wine tastings that highlight the economic importance of the wine and agricultural industries in shaping the Valley’s future. To learn more, visit and become a member, visit www.santaynezmuseum.org.