 On The Line -- Issue 635 -- May 18, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 635 -- May 18, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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Rodeo becomes a popular topic of discussion in San Benito County by mid-spring because the annual Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo is held at Bolado Park on the last weekend in June.
It is a tradition that began in the late 1920s and for its first year was part of the county fair. However, many ranchers and ranch employees felt that it was a way of life that deserved its own focus, and so the Saddle Horse Association was formed. With the exception of the years of World War II it has been an annual event, and some of the names that were familiar with the event's early history are borne today by their descendants even to the fourth and fifth generations. It has been the custom for many years to hold a pre-rodeo dinner for those closely associated with the Saddle Horse Show and public officials so they can learn of progress or problems or new wrinkles in the event. That dinner is held in the Blue Room Restaurant above the space where the swimming pool once stood. In previous years it was held on the second Wednesday of June but that date conflicted with the county Chamber of Commerce's June mixer so it was changed this year. Mark and Cynthia Fancher were in charge of the cooking as they often have been in the past, and so guests who had been to earlier events knew that they were in for a delicious, substantial meal. But before it was served there was a lot of socializing. Kelley Ferreira, the executive manager of the 33rd Agricultural District Association, which sponsors the rodeo, talked to everyone at sometime or other during the evening. This summer will be the 21st anniversary of his arrival and he is firmly imbedded in Bolado Park's traditions and the hearts of those who serve it. Ann Strickland, among Ferreira's most stalwart aides, was squired by husband Jim Strickland, who is her most stalwart aide. Two of her brothers were also present, John Hodges and James Hodges, the latter with wife Renee Hodges. Their late father, Russell Hodges, was among the early members of the Saddle Horse Association. Mark Fancher is a first cousin once removed of Mrs. Strickland and her brothers, as his mother, Fern Fancher, is their cousin. People new to the county soon realize that there are many familial relationships that will take time to learn. Cautionary rule: Never speak ill of anyone because the person you're talking to might be a cousin or nephew or granddaughter. Robert Scattini also circulated and in the course of the evening mingled with Paul and Willene Wattis and Reb and Jill Monaco, all close friends. Scattini speared a few sausage bits at the hors d'oeuvres table, which also held chips and dips, salsas and cheeses. Wattis remarked, "Save some room for dinner, Robbie." An urn of coffee stood by and many sampled it. Some guests, however, found the beverage of their choice at the bar. In fact, many congregated there with kindred spirits. Alan Thomas and Randall Brooks poured. The substantial room filled early and still more guests arrived. Mark Wright smiled and remarked, "This looks to be one of the biggest of these dinners yet," and other dinner veterans backed him up. Helen Casillas talked with old friends near the buffet table but she sampled only a chip or so. Curtis Hill exchanged smiles with her as he passed by to talk with some old friends who had just arrived. Jaime De La Cruz was asked where wife Angelina was that evening and he said, "Someone has to watch the kids." And who better than their mother -- right? Even though this is not an election year he still made it around to most of the guests. It is thought to be the first time that Joe Paul and Irma Gonzalez attended a pre-rodeo dinner. Certainly it was the first tome that he had attended it as county clerk. They apparently enjoyed every aspect of it. Besides the rodeo itself, much of the talk centered around graduation, the price of gasoline (ouch!) and baseball as well as the scandals du jour from Washington, D.C. However, most people avoided politics or changed the subject if it arose because they were interested in a pleasant evening. Someone noted an absence and said, "It looks as though Bumpy isn't going to show up or he's be here by now," then a lot of people also noticed it. Fulton Picetti, who became a member of the Saddle Horse Show board in 1946 upon discharge from the Army, announced last year that he was retiring from it. Even though his friends acknowledge that he has certainly earned retirement it won't be quite the same without him around. Picetti commented several months ago, "It's a little hard to give up something one has done for so long but I'm not a youngster any more." He will observe his 91st birthday on Aug. 8. Another topic of speculation was which of the four candidates will be chosen as this year's rodeo queen as the judges convene on June 2. They are Tanya Debrul, 17; Amanda Jacobsen, 19; Alicia Kimes, 16; and Erin Paxton, 20. The latter's father, Mark Paxton, sat at a table that included his cousin and wife, Jim and Margaret O'Donnell; their son, Patrick O'Donnell; Dave and Colleen Grimes; and Grimes' mother, As more guests arrived, including Bill Martinie and Elizabeth Gage, Bill Hawkins and others, it became apparent that more seating and silverware would be required so two tables were hastily put up and utensils and china placed on them. Charlie Tobias welcomed many old friends as did Steve Johnson and Greg Thul. Someone said, "Dinner time," and a line formed in a twinkling, extending all the way to the back of the room and curving along the far wall. It was a typical Fancher dinner of prime beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, salad, bread and butter, and plenty of seconds. Cherry cobbler was served later. Those waiting in line exchanged gossip as it progresses to the serving table. Mike O'Connell summed up the mood of the assemblage later when he said, "We've got a lot of great people helping out, and it's been inspiring to see such a wonderful turnout tonight." |
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