Friends of Rodeo - Latest News

Viva la Fiesta
by Linda Burdick, Executive Director, Friends of Rodeo Organization

A For over three-quarters of a century the Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo has paid tribute to America's first cowboy — the vaquero. Fiesta 2003 held with tradition and brought in Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) athletes from all over the West to compete in contests of skill and daring that have their roots in Santa Barbara's ranching era.

Tradition and heritage is honored and displayed everywhere in Santa Barbara during Old Spanish Days. This was very evident to me the very first time I attended their event with the Friends of Rodeo booth. To be real honest, it all kind of took me by surprise — I wasn't prepared for such a showing of the deep-rooted love by the locals for their heritage.

Celebrating its 79th year in 2003, Old Spanish Days focused on gentle manners, love of music and dance, and traditions that trace their roots back to Spain. This year's show also continued the tradition of honoring California's great horsemanship.
The Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo committee is comprised of over 450 volunteers. Their hard work and dedication not only helps to keep the traditions and heritage of their community alive, it also provides thousands of dollars to several very deserving groups — local high school rodeo, the equestrian center, San Marcos Cheer Squad, San Marcos Band Boosters, and various other local charities.

And, what I hope will be a new tradition, the Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo honored Friends of Rodeo with a $1,000 contribution check, which was presented during Sunday's performance. It was such a monumental moment to be asked to join Greg Simon, committee chairman, down in the arena for the presentation — I was moved beyond words. The whole affair took only minutes, yet it did so much for this organization. The promotion, the introduction, the support, and endorsement it provided to all the fans in the stands was so very special, and, as I said, monumental — we have never had this happen before.

Yes, there have been other donations — some larger and some less. All have been appreciated and needed. What made this contribution so special was the fact that Friends of Rodeo was honored and recognized during the rodeo and by the people involved in the rodeo — the very ones we fight so hard for.

" When we have 'surplus' funds, we look to 're-invest' in the Tri-counties (Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo), who are the only sources for entries in the Stock Horse Show portion of our Fiesta," stated Fiesta Chairman, Greg Simon. "While we do donate funds to the local high schools (who provide ushers and programs sellers) the overwhelming focus of our 're-investment' is back into the non-profit equestrian organizations within the Tri-counties. This includes District 7 of the High School Rodeo Association, Kids Day Rodeo at the Santa Maria Rodeo, and the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association (which provides most of our committee members, entries, and sponsorships). This is an effort to promote the equestrian competition and ensure that Fiesta will have a future in the Central Coast and re-enforce the strong equestrian tradition and heritage founded in our historic ranches."

Simon went on to say, "Not unlike rodeo, the lack of knowledge of many newer residences is often mis-guided and poorly informed relative to why we have such a strong equestrian presence in an area where the 'newbees' want to cut off riding trails, eliminate smells, and other things that they are not used too — yet they moved here to get into the 'country', but they take a long time to shake off their urban habits. We very much value having Friends of Rodeo's presence at Fiesta to help educate and inform our fellow residents of the real facts."

And educate we did! The Friends of Rodeo booth was kept busy throughout all five performances. I know the future of rodeo in Santa Barbara looks good, thanks to the dedicated committee working to keep Old Spanish Days a part of that area's tradition — Viva la Fiesta!

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