Friends and neighbors gather at Tres Pinos Church Hall on March 9 to try their hand at Pedro, a local card game. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
The San Benito County Cattlewomen hold their annual event to raise funds in efforts to promote beef. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
Attendees converse at the party. Photo by Blaire Strohn.
Photo by Blaire Strohn.
Photo by Blaire Strohn.

The San Benito County Cattlewomen’s Association held their annual Pedro Party on March 9 at Tres Pinos Church Hall.

Pedro is a card game that is unique to the region, and first came to San Benito County (specifically San Juan Bautista) in the late 1800s. The object of the game is to accumulate as many points as possible.

This year’s winners are:

  • First place: Ronda Silva
  • Second place: Lori Jeske
  • Third place: Bailey Rianda
  • Fourth place: Jayme Stewart

Chairwoman Cheri Holliday said the Cattlewomen have hosted the annual event for over 20 years.

“It’s a good community event and fundraiser for the association,” she said.

Proceeds go to the association to further their efforts in promoting beef to the public.

“Before moving it to the church hall we would go to Bear Valley Hall and hold the Pedro Party,” said Cattlewomen president Charlotte Cabral.

The annual event is a reunion for neighbors and friends, though on occasion some newcomers show up to try their hand at the game.

“We go to Panoche Bar every Friday night to play Pedro,” said Paicines resident Nick Peters.

Locals throughout San Benito County hold Pedro parties on a monthly or weekly basis. Cattlewoman Becky Doty said there is a group in south county that plays every month and makes a potluck out of it.

“There is so much history in our county and it’s a wonderful way to bring people together,” Doty said.

The San Benito County Cattlewomen is a local association dedicated to promoting the cattle industry and beef through educational and social activities. They can also be found on Facebook.