San Fernando Holiday Parade 2005
The precocious 17-month old Vaquero Gold has created an on-line journal of his experience being saddled for the first time and carrying Santa Claus in the parade (don't be alarmed -- it was a doll. See photos below.)
CLICK any image to enlarge
Feliz Navidad
from the Vaquero Heritage Foundation!
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14 December 2003 - It rained buckets on the City of San Fernando's first Holiday Parade in twenty years, but the bright smiles and cheers of the crowd and parade participants alike made the day shine! The Vaquero Heritage Riders were honored by the company of State Assemblymember Cindy Montañez. New colorful additions to the group included a Nevada-style buckaroo, a western cowgirl, and a Peruvian Chalan -- styles of riding and costume that are descended from the original vaquero.
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| 1 August 2003 ¡Viva La Fiesta! The Vaquero Heritage Foundation’s first participation in Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade (El Desfile Historico) was thoroughly enjoyable. Those folks in Santa Barbara know what they are doing! Of course, they’ve been doing this parade for 79 years. Their mastery of technical and logistical details, showmanship, and generous hospitality were marvelous to behold and experience. This is one of the largest equestrian parades in the country, yet there was sufficient and well organized parking for all participant vehicles and horse trailers – that alone is high praise for an event of this challenging size. The parade route is beautiful, from the beach to the center of town. The weather with its cool ocean breezes is pure pleasure. There was a multitude of helpful parade staffers who kept everything running smoothly. It was an honor and privilege to ride among so many beautiful horses and gracious, friendly people. The crowds were huge and enthusiastic but even the smallest children were well behaved and followed the rules. Consequently hundreds of horses and dozens of giant rigs paraded the narrow, confetti-strewn streets without incident. Four Vaquero Heritage Riders were able to make the drive to Santa Barbara for this parade. Of all the riding groups, we had the most authentic old historical "look." The place was thick with silver, Bohlin saddles, Andalusian horses, and resplendent, colorful costumes (think Mardi Gras on horseback). The Vaquero Heritage Riders, in contrast, could have ridden out of an 1830 time capsule, in our authentic, handmade calzoneras and garments made of period-correct wool, cotton and silk, and our Old California-style tack and silver Santa Barbara bits (how appropriate). Many thanks to our riders for the terrific effort they put into their clothes and gear. (Special thanks to Fritz for capturing this event with so many marvelous photographs.) We're still striving towards our goal of being 100% period-correct, but life would be boring if there weren’t room for continuous improvement..! At parade's end, we were greeted by a row of brand new plastic barrels filled to the brim with crystal-clear drinking water for the horses – it was one of many thoughtful, generous, well-executed touches that made this event one you definitely want to come back to, year after year. And, speaking of icing on the cake, the Horseman’s Rendezvous, a giant post-parade fiesta BBQ with food, drinks, and a live band for equestrian participants and crew, was fantastic. Bravo to Santa Barbara for putting on an excellent parade, and for being such warm and generous hosts! ¡Viva La Fiesta! Deb Baumann (aka Vaquera)
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July 4th 2003 Sunland-Tujunga Parade Click to enlarge Many of these photos are courtesy of the fine folks at Deja View Photography in Sunland. Thank you!
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| 2003 May 26 Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Rodriquez & Solis Charro Group (and one California Spirit Rider) (select image to enlarge) (seleccione la imagen para ampliarse)
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