San Benito Lifestyle

Saddle Horse Show seeks entries for downtown parade

Annual event that celebrates vaquero and ranching traditions started in 1932.
Pat Ricotti and Elliott French showcasing their “bucking tractor” during the 2018 Downtown Parade. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
Pat Ricotti and Elliott French showcasing their “bucking tractor” during the 2018 Downtown Parade. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
Mark Costa towing a historic sheepherder trailer. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
Cowboys and cowgirls herded longhorn cattle during the 2018 Downtown Parade. Photo by Blaire Strohn.

As June approaches, so do events associated with the 86th annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, which is now accepting entries for its Downtown Parade on June 22.

The Downtown Parade, a major component of the annual event, began in 1932 to honor early vaquero and ranching traditions and values. Thousands of spectators line the streets of downtown Hollister each year in anticipation of the parade.

Horsemen and horsewomen are included in the procession, along with marching bands, floats, wagons, community groups—even a cattle drive. In all, the parade features over 50 entries.

Entry forms are available here.

The 86th annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo takes place June 28-30. To learn more, visit https://sanbenitocountyrodeo.com/.

 

Blaire Strohn

Blaire Strohn was a popular and vivacious reporter for BenitoLink. Blaire passed away Sept. 25, 2019 after doing her best for years to heroically ignore the limitations of Cystic Fibrosis. Despite these challenges, she was a graduate student at Oklahoma State University focusing on International Agriculture. Blaire also graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Communications. Born and raised on a cow/calf operation ranch in Paicines, Blaire was passionate about the agriculture community and western way of life.