Lakeport >> Hundreds of people from Lake and Mendocino counties attended Californio Days on June 28 at Rancho de la Fuente.
Growing on the theme of California history, there were displays and artists, authors and craftsmen of horse and vaquero arts displaying their know-how and sharing the intricacies of their trade with a fascinated public.
Judy Wilson of High Valley provided detailed explanations of the art of braiding rawhide, Winnie Lea of Lakeport shared her horsehair jewelry and author Roni McFadden autographed copies of her books and shared stories. There was food from Lakeport’s Susie Q’s Donuts and live music and singing from Irma Lopez (who does Patsy Cline covers, in addition to her repetoir of traditional Mexican folk music).
The keynote event was Fiesta of the Horse put on by equestrians from Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
Admission to this family-friendly event was free of charge.
Producers Frank and Rosana Perez of Rancho de la Fuente and Deb Baumann of Rancho Californio are already busy making plans for next year’s event.
In addition to the historical and crafts displays, Californio Days will sponsor essay writing contests for school children, with hundreds of dollars in scholarship prizes.
“There is so much to be learned from California’s early history that can make us better informed when considering the problems we face today,” said Baumann. “It is a privilege and honor to encourage young people to learn from our past, since they are the citizens and leaders who will shape this state in the future.”
For more photos and videos, and to contact Californio Days, visit www.californio.us.
