2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
IT’S ELKS RODEO TIME
A special section looking at the 71st Elks Rodeo and Parade Thursday- Sunday ■ Rodeo has a full lineup, page 3 ■ Schedule of events, page 4 ■ Parade and lineup, page 5 ■ Hatch named Grand Marshal, page 6
■ Barrel tricks at rodeo clown school, page 7 ■ Chicks ‘n’Chaps gives rodeo view, page 8 ■ Five compete to be Rodeo Queen, page 9 ■ Beard-A-Reno winners named, page 10
A publication of Lee Central Coast Newspapers
2 — Elks Rodeo and Parade 2014 — Lee Central Coast Newspapers
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2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
Elks Rodeo has full lineup of old, new events
Rodeo queen contest returns with fresh face SHELLY CONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Organizers of the Elks Rodeo and Parade are dusting off some old favorites while adding a few surprises this year. Last year’s event was considered a success by organizers,and this year is shaping up to be even better,according to Tina Tonascia, director of operations for Elks Recreation Inc. “It’s amazing the way it’s just coming together,” Tonascia said.“We’ve gotten more
excitement and support then we ever have.” The Flying Cowboy motorcycle act will return this year as the grand finale event, with a surprise specialty act added.Favorite events like Beard-A-Reno,Mutton Bustin’ and the Minetti Mini Rodeo are also returning. However,one of the newer aspects of this year’s rodeo is actually something that is familiar to longtime Santa Marians. ”The newest thing we have is not new at all but faded into the sunset,” said Phil Harwick,president of Elks Recreation Inc. “We're bringing the queen contest back. This is the first year we are going to have the old-style queen contest that everyone in Santa Maria loved so much.” After a year-long hiatus,the contest has five queen candidates vying for the crown. In the past,the contest has been an im-
portant fundraiser for the city,raising millions of dollars for things like playgrounds and parks. Harwick said the queen contest fell away after poor management decisions and lack of support,but a new board of directors sought to revive the beloved contest. “The rodeo raises so much money for charity,especially for kids,but the queen contest raises even more,” Harwick said. “It’s hard to go anywhere in Santa Maria and not see something that the queen contest provided.” In addition to the specialty acts,some favorite aspects of the rodeo have been enhanced. Harwick said this year the board of See RODEO / 4
Elks Rodeo and Parade 2014 — Lee Central Coast Newspapers — 3
Staff file
One of the Flying Cowboys jumps his motorcycle high between ramps at the Minetti Mini Rodeo last year.Below,Cohen Walch ,4,of Orcutt ,tries to rope a bull in the 2013 Camp Buckaroo.
2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
RODEO: Continued from page3 directors is trying to model the rodeo after the successful Salinas rodeo. He said it will be a family affair that exposes people to the agrarian and agricultural aspects of the Santa Maria Valley. ”Besides just rodeo,we’re trying to make this a destination event,” Harwick said. Along those lines,there will be an expanded Camp Buckaroo area for kids. The Coors Dance Hall will house Jose’s Cantina,an enlarged and improved saloon. Last year”s wine bar will also be back and expanded.For a fee,visitors can taste wines from several local wineries at the Vino & Vittles Wine Bar and Tasting Tent. There will be prerodeo concerts as well as nightly entertainment after each performance.The rodeo grounds even got a facelift for the event,with newly painted fences and remodeled booths. This year will also feature a chance for women to get a little dirty with a hands-on,behind-the-scenes look at rodeo. The Chicks ’n’Chaps event will take place Saturday at 3 p.m.,prior to the start of the rodeo,and will allow women the opportunity to try on a pair
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Thursday, May 29 The Thursday opening event will honor volunteer Cass Wilson and the day’s theme is “Dedicated to Volunteerism.” ■ Guests can participate in the Mini Rodeo at the Elks-Unocal Event Center, beginning at 10 a.m. ■ Elks Rodeo Camp Buckaroo, Western Marketplace and Wine Bar and Tasting will open for business at 5 p.m. ■ Live entertainment, the Kids Wrangler Stick Horse Race, Kids Silver Dollar Scramble, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo Performance, and a Rodeo Dance will begin at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. ■ All events will be held in the event center, with the exception of the Kids Wrangler Stick Horse Race and Kids Silver Dollar Scramble, which will be held in the arena.
Friday, May 30 The fun continues on Friday. Themed “Dedicated to all First Responders,” this day honors Bob
of chaps,carry a saddle,learn to lasso and gain insight into what it takes to perform in a rodeo. The event is a benefit for the Mission Hope Cancer Center,and organizers said they are already close to reaching their goal of 200 tickets. “We’re really excited; tickets are already flying out the door,” Tonascia said. Tickets cost $100 and include the behind-the-scenes experience and VIP seating to watch the rodeo. The rodeo kicks off tomorrow with the day dedicated to volunteerism,and continues Friday with First Responders Day; Saturday,with Tough Enough to Wear Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Day; and Sunday,with Military Day. However,each day there are a limited number of free tickets available to active military. Tonascia said there are also a limited number of complimentary tickets available for nonprofit organizations to offer their volunteers,and interested nonprofit groups should send a letter of request for tickets. Saturday at 9:30 a.m.,the Elks Rodeo Parade will take place along Broadway,with Bob Hatch serving as parade marshal. Rodeo tickets are available at the Elks Rodeo office,1309 N.Bradley Road; Albertsons supermarkets in Orcutt,Santa Maria,Lompoc and Buellton; and by calling toll-free 888-695-0888.
Staff file
Cowboys scramble to catch the U.S.flag delivered by skydiver Kent Lane at the 2013 Minetti Mini Rodeo.
71st annual SM Elks Rodeo ropes in another year Rodeo dancing, horse racing, and wine tastings are just a few of the things attendees of the 71st annual Santa Maria Elks Recreation Inc. Rodeo and Parade can expect Thursday through Sunday. Each of the four days honors a different Elks Rodeo volunteer or community member. Hatch, outgoing CEO of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce. ■ The Elks Rodeo Queen Coronation will take place during the 7 p.m. PRCA Rodeo Performance. Aside from the coronation, Friday’s events will mostly mirror Thursday’s, with the exception of the 10 a.m. Mini Rodeo event.
Saturday, May 31 Saturday is parade day.The theme is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink,” and it is dedicated to late Elks Rodeo volunteer Bobby Acquistapace. ■ The Elks Parade begins at 9 a.m. and its purpose is to provide free entertainment for Santa Maria Valley residents, highlight members of the community who participate in it, promote the Elks Rodeo, provide a positive image of Lodge
No. 1538, and raise funds for youth in the community. Over the last 10 years or so the Elks Rodeo Parade has distributed more than $150,000 to youth groups in Santa Maria.The parade is free and the route extends from Broadway to Mill Street to Enos Drive. ■ Elks Rodeo Luncheon at the Elks Lodge at 1 p.m. ■ Elks Rodeo Camp Buckaroo, Western Marketplace and Wine Bar and Tasting is in the event center at 3 p.m. ■ Chicks ‘n Chaps Fundraiser runs from 3 to 5 p.m, also at the event center. ■ Live entertainment is at the event center from 3:30 to 5 p.m. ■ Kids Wrangler Stick Horse Race is at 4:30 p.m.in the arena. ■ Kids Silver Dollar Scramble is
at 4:45 p.m.,in the arena. ■ PRCA Rodeo Performance is at 5 p.m. in the event center. ■ Rodeo Dance is at 7 p.m., in the event center.
Sunday, June 1 The Sunday event is themed,“Military Appreciation.” It will honor volunteer Anna Sorenson. ■ Elks Rodeo Camp Buckaroo, Western Marketplace and Wine Bar and Tasting begins at noon in the event center. ■Live entertainment begins at 12:30 p.m. in the event center. ■ Kids Wrangler Stick Horse Race begins at 1:30 p.m. in the arena. ■ Kids Silver Dollar Scramble starts at 1:45 p.m. in the arena; ■ PRCA Rodeo Performance begins at 2 p.m. in the event center.
Daily PRCA performances will include extreme bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, a Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) barrel race, PRCA team roping, Elks Team roping, tie down roping, steer wrestling, and mutton bustin’. Specialty acts will include Bobby Kerry Mustang Act and The Spectacular Flying Cowboys Motorcyle Stunt Show. All net proceeds generated from the rodeo will benefit youth recreation.The rodeo grounds are located at 4040 Highway 101 in Santa Maria (at Hwy 101 and Santa Maria Way). The cost for the event is $20 for adults; $15 for seniors; and $15 for kids 12 and under. Military can attend for free.Those planning to attend in groups and seeking additional information should call 805925-4125. To learn more about the Elks Rodeo, visit www.elksrec.com.
2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
Santa Maria Elks Rodeo parade gets ready to roll 2014 Elks Rodeo Parade Lineup
Staff file
Students at Garcia Dance Studio in Lompoc swing their skirts as they ride in a float down Broadway in Santa Maria during the 2012 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade.
Parade to honor longtime Elks Rodeo figure Bobby Acquistapace Somewhere in the distance a band is tuning up,a drum is beating in time and the breeze carries a hint of cotton candy. The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo parade will march along Broadway for the 71st time Saturday,ushering in summer with the pounding of a bass drum and the cheer of crowds. The parade this year salutes volunteers past and present,giving the Santa Maria Valley an opportunity to celebrate its heritage and recognize its many volunteers for their service. A number of veterans and volunteer groups will be on hand to celebrate with the community. Nearly 200 entrants are expected to participate in the parade,which is dedicated this year to longtime parade chairman Bobby Acquistapace, who died in December at age 63,said Tina Tonascia director of operations for Elks Rodeo Inc. “He built that parade and ran it for
munity and the chamber has years and years and been fortunate to have the years,” Tonascia said. resources to support the Elks Acquistapace first and the parade,” Hatch said. rode in the Elks Rodeo In addition to many of the Parade in 1961 as the favorite returning acts,Murjunior grand marshal.He phy said that he is hoping to was a member of the Elks have a skydiver carrying an Lodge for 40 years.In American flag to kick off fes2004,he also helped retivities again this year.Anvive the Elks Minetti other highlight will be the Mini Rodeo,which takes Acquistapace Spartan Marching band, thousands of third- and which includes 150 members fourth-graders to the rodeo grounds.In 2011,50 years after and competes statewide.“We’re kind of excited to have that big of a his first parade appearance,he rode band at that level participating in our as the parade’s grand marshal.He parade,” Murphy said. served as parade chairman from Murphy said the parade has en1977 to 2009 and was named Santa Maria Elks Citizen of the Year in May dured for so long because it showcases the best of the Santa Maria 2012. Valley as well as the diversity it ofThis year’s grand marshal will be fers.“It’s just become a Santa Maria Bob Hatch,outgoing CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.Parade ortradition,” he said. ganizer Tim Murphy said Hatch was He said it’s difficult to get accurate chosen for his commitment to the attendance numbers but that organparade over the years. izers estimate 5,000 people attended “I think,of course the Elks are leg- last year and he expects the same endary in their support of the comthis year.
See PARADE / 6
Elks Rodeo and Parade 2014 — Lee Central Coast Newspapers — 5
SHELLY CONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
1.Skydiver Kent Lane 2.Victor McLaglen Motor Corps 3.Boots ‘n Chutes All Airborne Assoc Color Guard 4.Touring Elks Lodge No.1538 5.Righetti High Warrior Band Drum Major 6.Righetti High Warrior Band & Color Guard 7.California Hawaii Elks State Pres Floyd Skip Henke 8.American Veterans United Color Guard 9.Grand Marshal Bob Hatch 10.Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Queen and Court 11.Terry Gicking Dep.Dist. Grand Exalted Ruler 12.Salinas Elks Flag Honor Guard 13.Honorary Grand Marshal BobbyAcquistapace 14.Santa Monica Mounted Police 15.Craig Vonilten’s 1953 Willy’s Jeep 16.Santa Maria Elks No.1538 Officers Wagon 17.Santa Maria Elk of the Year Eddie Navarro 18.Santa Maria Elks Lodge No. 1538 Past Exalted Rulers 19.Community Bank of Santa Maria 20.To be determined 21.County Line 4-H Road Apple Rangers No.1 22.California Hawaii Elks Major Projects 23.Tommie Kunst Jr.High School Marching Band 24.Santa Maria Elks Citizen of Year Larry Lavagnino 25.Korean War Veterans Assoc Chapter 184 26.American Cancer Society 27.Country Oaks Care Center 28.Orcutt Academy Spartans
Marching Band 29.County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino 30.To be determined 31.Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 982 32.Galaxy Cheer Athletics 33.Small Farmer 34.Boy Scouts of America Live Oak District 35.El Camino Jr.High Cheerleading Team 36.El Camino Jr.High Marching Band 37.Santa Maria City Council 38.Santa Barbara Elks Lodge Drum & Bugle Corp. 39.Santa Barbara Elks Lodge No.613 40.Santa Barbara Elks Lodge No.613 Past Exalted Ruler 41.King County Sheriff’s Posse 42.Premier Auto Body 43.Santa Maria Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 44.Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Float 45.Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Sponsor Flags 46.Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Entry 47.Pioneer Valley High FFA 48.El Arnal 49.County Line 4-H Road Apple Rangers No.2 50.To be determined 51.To be determined 52.La Buena Radio 53.Salvation Army Sally 1 Mobile Canteen 54.Los Padres National Forest 55.Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley 56.Pioneer ValleyHigh Panther Pride Band 57.SLO Submarine Veterans 58.Justin Fareed 59.Garcia Dance Studio
2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
PARADE:
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Continued from page 5
60.To be determined 61.Santa Maria Model AFord Club 62.Righetti High Marimba Band and Ballet Folklorico 63.Santa Maria Noontime Rotary Club 64.Royal Chariots of Fullerton & Westminster 65.Team Glitz & Glamour 66.Santa Maria Elks Clowns 67.Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue 68.County Supervisor Peter Adam 69.Santa Barbara CountyAnimal Care Foundation 70.To be determined 71.Pioneer Valley High FFA 72.Wells Fargo Bank Stage Coach 73.California Rodeo Salinas 74.Santa Maria FFA 75.Charros de Chapala 76.Pioneer Valley FFALight Horse Judging Team 77.Northside Little League 78.Thousand Oaks Elks CharityTrain 79.Arellanes Junior High School Band 80.To be determined 81.Santa Maria Fire Dept.Listos Volunteers 82.American Legion Riders District 16 83.D.E.S.Club 84.Cal Skate Roller Derby 85.Fesler Jr.High School Band 86.Santa Barbara County 4-H 87.Lompoc Valley Flower Festival Queen & Candidates 88.KT’s All Star Gymnastics 89.Cho Chi Zen Karate-Do 90.To be determined 91.Santa Maria Four Wheelers 92.Righetti High Thunder Drumline 93.Marine Corps League Coastal Valley Detachment 1340 94.Triple Threat Cheer
95.Good Samaritans Services & Kuhl 1440 96.Michael B.Clayton & Associates 97.Children’s Resource Network of the C.C. 98.Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum 99.Orcutt Union High Spartans Marching Band 100.To be determined 101.Al Malaikah Sahara Patrol Color Guard 102.Al Malaikah Divan 103.Al Malaikah Million Dollar Band 104.Al Malaikah Stagecraft Unit 105.Al Malaikah Silver Mounted Patrol 106.Al Malaikah Koppers 107.Al Malaikah Motor Patrol 108.Awesome “A”Shrine Club of Sierra Madre 109.Kern County Shrine Club 110.Apple Valley Shrine Club 111.Santa Maria Shrine Club 112.Lompoc Shrine Club 113.To be determined 114.White Horse Carriage Company 115.Righetti FFA 116.Santa Barbara Co.Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Unit 117.Pioneer Valley FFARoad Apple Rangers No.1 118.Smith Alarms & Electronics 119.Santa Maria Youth Football League 120.To be determined 121.Villa Park High School Marching Spartans 122.Classic Styles Barbershop 123.Bumping Rita the Clown 124.Northern Nevada Antique Power Club 125.Backcountry Horseman of California 126.Santa Maria Recreation & Parks Department 127.Nipomo Indians 128.Pioneer Valley FFARoad Apple Rangers No.2
Bob Hatch will ride as parade grand marshal Outgoing Chamber CEO has been ardent supporter of event SHELLY CONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Staff file
Elks members and supporters ride along Broadway on Saturday during the Elks Rodeo Parade last year.
129.Westside Little League 130.To be determined 131.Macy’s Stores 132.Santa Maria High School Saints Band 133.Rabobank Marching Money Bags 134.On Deck 2 Batting Cages
135.Tri Valley RC Modelers 136.GTS Insurance Mariachis 137.Patricios Pizza 138.To be determined 139.Santa Maria Valley Bulldogs 140.American General Media 141.Devil Mountain Brigade
This year’s Elks Rodeo Parade will feature outgoing Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Hatch as grand marshal because of his years of support to the parade and the Elks organization. Elks Rodeo Parade chairman Tim Murphy said Hatch was chosen for his strong commitment to the parade over the years. “We were looking for someone who’s been involved with the community.He’s been in a lot of different events,even though he’s CEO of the Chamber of Commerce he’s everywhere.He’s what it really means to be a volunteer,” Murphy said. Hatch said he is surprised and flattered at being chosen.“It’s a wonderful event for our community it brings the community together and it brings thousands of visitors.It shows the true Santa Maria spirit,” Hatch said. Hatch has served for 19 years as the president and CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau.He is also a U.S.Army veteran who was on active duty during the Vietnam era. His awards include the Silver Star,Bronze Star with V,Air Medal,three Purple Heart awards, Army Commendation Medal,Vietnam Cross of Gallantry,Vietnam Cam-
Hatch paign and Service Medals, and the coveted Combat Infantryman’s Badge.He is a Life Member of Chapter 1898 (Audie Murphy Chapter) Military Order of the Purple Heart,the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans. “He’s been a huge supporter of our rodeo since his days with the Chamber of Commerce.He’s been an integral part of helping us expand our rodeo nationwide,” said Tina Tonascia,director of operations for Elks Recreation Inc.Friday’s rodeo performance is also dedicated to him. Hatch said the parade had such a lasting endurance and the organizers have had such a keen ability to reinvent it over the years that the parade will likely endure many more years. “I think that the second to the last thing that will happen before the world ends will be the Elks Parade ending,” Hatch said.
2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
Rodeo clown school gives media taste of barrelmanship ELLIOTT STERN
estern@santamariatimes.com
*
Frankie “Punkintown”Smith and his pony,Turbo,show off the Tennessee smile,a trick used in the rodeo clown act in 2013 at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center. At left,Smith demonstrates how to properly— and quickly—jump on and into a barrel to evade a charging bull during rodeo clown school Tuesday at Santa Maria Elks lodge.
these two events,” said Punkintown. What about the death-defying? Thrilling? Chilling? Well, not so much. The school isn’t just one long joke session. Punkintown taught his students the importance of his job as a barrelman, keeping the cowboys and cowgirls safe, especially the bull riders. “It’s not as easy as it looks,”
Punkintown said in one of his few serious moments.“I’ll be teaching how to get in and out of a barrel, how to properly move in the arena if a bull is chasing you. Here’s a hint, you’re not going to outrun a four-legged animal to the fence. He’ll help you get there.” The class also learns about proper barrelman clothing. “There are two types of big baggy pants — bullfighter baggies
and barrelman baggies,” said Punkintown.“The bullfighter baggies are a little tighter, they allow you to run quicker. The barrelman baggies are looser, you end up running like a penguin. And bandanas are key. Tie two or three bandanas to your pants. Contrary to what you may have heard, bulls can’t see the color red, they only see black and white. They react to motion. So if you’re running — stop and turn. The bulls see the motion of the baggy pants and the bandanas and keep going in their direction while you can turn and head the other way.” Next was a lesson in how to properly apply rodeo makeup. Then came trip to the Elks Lodge parking lot where everyone had the chance to experience life inside the barrelman’s barrel.
After getting in, the apprentices were knocked over and rolled over the Lodge’s lawn. “We did this years ago.Clarence Minetti came up with the idea of a media clown school,” said Elks office manager and all-around rodeo workhorse Tina Tonascia.“Dennis ‘Catfish’Miller — who’s now at Mega 97.1 FM — used to be one of the celebrity clowns.He moved away but then he moved back to Santa Maria and when he did,he asked us if we were going to have the clown school again.So that got the barrel rolling.” Punkintown’s apprentices,including the Catfish and me,make their first appearance during Thursday morning’s Minetti Mini Rodeo.They’ll be back for each performance right on through Sunday’s championship finale.
Elks Rodeo and Parade 2014 — Lee Central Coast Newspapers — 7
Take a good look at the clowns while you’re out at this year’s Elks Rodeo. Behind their awesome makeup, there may be a few faces you’ll recognize,including mine. These Santa Marians are Frankie “Punkintown”Smith’s prized pupils — all honors graduates of Smith’s Clown University. Each has earned the highly coveted degree of “Master of Barrelmanship with a concentration in Clown Studies.” One of the finest rodeo entertainers in America,Punkintown is back again to lead all the clowning around at this year’s 71st annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. Punkintown began his clown college last year right here in Santa Maria,gathering a group of local radio,television and newspaper people to teach then the finer points of clowning around. Before heading out to the UNOCAL Events Center,Punkintown called his class back into session for a second season of school. They faced a demanding,challenging,rigorous,hard-hitting one-hour course,complete with pizza,before being certified as authentic Stick Horse/Mutton Bustin’rodeo clowns. Punkintown has been a rodeo clown for 17 years.The 47-year old from Punkintown,S.C.,says he provides an island of safety for the cowboys while keeping the audience in stitches. “I’m a rodeo entertainer,” Punkintown said.“I’ve been blessed to be able to do standup comedy,motivational speaking and,most of all,work in rodeo.It’s the best family-oriented sport in the world.” His students will be in the arena to assist Punkintown with two of the most highly anticipated, thrilling,death-defying rodeo events — stick horse racing and mutton bustin’. Mr.Town,as his students call the master,wants to make sure his students keep all the children safe in case a stick horse races out of control or any of the mutton meander too far. “Well,really,they’ll all get dressed up complete with makeup and help with the children during
2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
Chicks ’n’ Chaps raises money for Mission Cancer Center New event gives taste of rodeo behind the scenes SHELLY CONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Life is hard for a rodeo cowboy as many a country song will tell.It’s a world of grit,dust,blood and a lot of sore muscles.This year a group of women will learn firsthand just how tough it is — for a good cause. The Elks Rodeo will introduce the Chicks ’n’Chaps event Saturday on Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day, which promises to give a group of 200 women a hands-on,behind the scenes VIP experience in rodeo while raising money for Mission Hope Cancer Center.
Staff file
Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria is a cancer treatment facility for the Central Coast Tina Tonascia,Elks Recreation Inc.director of operations,became aware of the national event shortly before last year’s rodeo but there was no time to pursue it.The idea was appealing to Tonascia because it was a novel way to give women that would ordinarily not
have a chance to experience what rodeo is all about that exposure,while raising cancer awareness.So she tucked the idea away and was able to put the event in place this year with the help of sponsors Wrangler and Santa Maria Chrysler,Dodge,Jeep, Ram.
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Enjoy the
1275 E. Betteravia Rd, Santa Maria (805) 922-3553
714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-5862
726 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 739-8895
Rodeo!
Contributed
Participants in the Caldwell,Idaho Chicks ‘n’Chaps event get a hands-on,behind the scenes VIP experience in rodeo.Asimilar event will be held in Santa Maria onSaturday as a fundraiser for Mission Hope Cancer Center to help families support cancer patients. “It’s going to be a great opportunity.We’re excited we’ve had such a positive reaction from everyone right out the chute,” Tonascia said. Prior to the start of that day’s rodeo performance, the participants,who will be dressed in pink,will have the opportunity to visit various rodeo stations in the arena. They’ll have the chance to learn about being a rodeo announcer,they’ll be able to climb in and out of the barrels and try to roll barrels to feel how difficult it is to roll one.They’ll get clinics in roping and the women will even get to try on chaps and heft a saddle and sit atop some of the horses. “So it gives them the chance to see you have to be in good shape to do what those guys do,” Tonascia said. Following the hands-on rodeo clinic the women will have some food and drinks before watching the rodeo in a VIP section all decked out in pink.Tickets sold for $100 apiece through Tuesday, when sales closed. All proceeds go to Mission Hope Cancer Center to benefit local patients.
Representatives there are thrilled about the fundraiser. Elena Romero,development officer with Marian Foundation,said the organization is appreciative of the Elks for reaching out and allowing them to benefit from such an exciting and unique event. “Coming off the heels of our recent Day of Hope,it’s exciting to see our cancer center is up front in the community,” Romero said. She said the funds are earmarked for areas of cancer care that aren’t reimbursable by insurance like providing support to families through chemotherapy co-pays or utility assistance,investing in technology that supports better care,and providing
free cancer care programs, services and support classes. Mission Hope Cancer Center was established two years ago with doctors referring patients from as far away as Paso Robles and Cambria.The center has seen 35 percent growth in the volume of patients since it opened. Tonascia said being able to benefit organizations like Mission Hope Cancer Center is what the rodeo is all about. “The bottom line is,our rodeo was originally created to benefit the community so our history is,the Elks rodeo isn’t just a rodeo,it’s a vehicle for our community to raise funds and this was a natural tie in,” Tonascia said.
2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
Five vying for 2014 Elks Rodeo Queen honor She hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a large animal chiropractor. “My family has always taught me that giving is better than receiving.Taking part in this event allows me to pay it forward,” she said.
Re-invigorated fundraising contest returns to Elks Rodeo SHELLY CONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Megan Morgan,
Contributed
Elks Rodeo Queen candidates and the groups they represent are,from left: Lilian Aceves,Catholic Formation Center; Camille Butler,Black Student Union; Megan Morgan,Your Orcutt Youth Organization; America Cardenas,Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe; Johna Emerick,VTC Enterprises. money also goes to scholarships. Phil Harwick,president of Elks Recreation Inc.,said that it’s difficult to be in the community and not see something that was funded by the queen contest.That’s why this year a number of changes were made to the Elks Rodeo and its corresponding activities. With a new board in place last year,Harwick said it was decided to run the activities like a business. Last year,however,it was too soon to put some of those plans in action. “It takes a full year to do these things.Last year was good but we just didn’t have enough time,” Harwick said,promising that this year will be even better. The queen will be announced at 7 p.m.Friday during the rodeo performance at the UNOCAL Events Center.
Righetti High School and a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church,where she serves as Sunday School secretary and on the Young Adults’Praise Team. She has competed with Triple Threat competitive cheer team for more than five years earning a national title win and now serves as assistant coach for the team.At Righetti,she is active in leadership class,the volleyball program,captain of the junior varsity cheer squad,and a member of the varsity cheerleading team. She hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy or to pursue a career as a psychologist. “I’ve been blessed with an extraordinary life and am humbled to have been given this amazing opportunity to be a Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Candidate,” she said.
The candidates are:
Lilian Aceves
Camille Butler Black Student Union Camille Butler,17,is a junior at
Catholic Formation Center Lilian Aceves is a first generation American who has participated in sports like flag football,basketball
and soccer.A Hancock College student,she hopes to get a degree in history or politics and is pursuing a career in law enforcement. “I want to be a hero to my future children as well as make my community a safer and better place to live in for future generations,” she said. Currently,she works as a parttime sales associate at a retail store. Her interests include ATVs,soccer, street bikes,dancing and history. When she’s not pursuing those activities she spends time with her family.
Johna Emerick VTC Enterprises Johna Emerick,17,is a senior at Righetti High School and a lifelong resident of the Santa Maria Valley. Having a passion for large livestock,she has participated in 4-H working with sheep and cattle and having been a teen leader,president of Los Amigos and recently achieving Supreme Grand Champion with her replacement heifer and bull.
Your Orcutt Youth Organization Megan Morgan,21,is a 2011 graduate of St.Joseph High School.She attended San Diego State University her freshman and sophomore years,but her studies were cut short when her mother and grandfather were both diagnosed with cancer and she moved home to be closer to them.She is now in her junior year at Cal Poly studying architectural engineering. She’s been involved in 4-H having shown dogs,rabbits,turkeys and sheep.She was also a volunteer teen leader and recording secretary with her 4-H club.She said 4-H taught her to be hard-working and responsible as well as the importance of community service. “I look forward to seeing our community coming together and supporting one another for this worthy cause,” she said.
America Cardenas Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe America Cardenas,16,is a student at Righetti High School and has played basketball for recreational teams in Guadalupe since the third grade.She is part of her choir at her church,and has also performed community service at the Boys and Girls Club. She also has learned first-hand the meaning of hard work,when she spent last summer working in the grape vineyards with her mother. “The experience taught me the value of earning my own money and handling my own expenses,” she said. In her spare time she loves to bake cakes,cupcakes,brownies and cheesecakes.Her passion for baking and experimenting with recipes has made her decide to pursue a career in the culinary arts. She also plans to attend business school in order to help her reach her ultimate goal of owning her own bakery.
Elks Rodeo and Parade 2014 — Lee Central Coast Newspapers — 9
It’s been a part of the fabric of Santa Maria for decades,and in recent years the Elks Rodeo Queen contest has evolved and then faded away altogether before organizers decided to resurrect it this year. The Elks Recreation Inc.board asked Peter Sterling,former chairman of the queen contest,to run the it once again.Sterling has been tasked with bringing the contest back to the beloved activity it once was.One of the ways he is doing that is by returning the competition to the contest.He said previously the girls were all queens,this time they are all princesses and one girl will be crowned queen. “I think competition is the key and that’s what we brought back,” he said. The princess who sells the most tickets will be crowned queen.He said that people like to show support for their favorite nonprofit organization and candidate.In that way the competition results in more money raised through ticket sales and it benefits the community over all.In 2004,the last year Sterling ran the contest,it brought in more than $700,000. “I don’t expect that this year because the economy is still recovering and we had some new groups so they need a chance to get on their feet,” he said.“But I think next year will be even better.” Sterling is also placing greater emphasis on the queen contest,he said.It has become secondary to the rodeo in recent years and he’s trying to change that by making the queen contestant announcements and coronation in the rodeo arena.The princesses have also been making appearances. Over the years the money raised has funded a variety of community projects.He said some money contributed to the Lakeview Junior High School gym,a playground and racquetball court in Guadalupe were funded as well as a swimming pool in Santa Ynez.Some of the
2014 ELKS RODEO AND PARADE
Judges pick out best beards in annual contest SHELLY CONE
10 — Elks Rodeo and Parade 2014 — Lee Central Coast Newspapers
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It might have been one of the rowdiest places Saturday night but it was a Santa Maria tradition at its finest as the 55th annual Beard-aReno got underway. “I don’t mean to go there but they say that length isn’t everything.So just by looking which do you think is the longest?”asked master of ceremonies Tony Gonzales,aka “Chief.” So went a night of raucous cheering and fun,good-natured innuendo mixed with beard madness. Formal decorum gave way to cheering,applause and lots of cowbell ringing. Organizers wanted to keep the rowdy spirit of Beard-a-Reno alive and Saturday they accomplished that.The sold-out event saw 300 dinners served,37 contestants and two Miss Wrangler contestants. J.T.Hendryx won the very first category for the Reddest Beard.It was the first win for Hendryx but not the first time he’s participated. “I got third place before but you don’t get anything for third place,” he said jokingly.But he continued to enter because “it’s a fun time.” Adam Smith participated in the categories for the blackest,wildest, and best all-around beard. "It’s a fun environment.It’s kind of goofy,” Smith said of the atmosphere surrounding the event. He said he participated because he had always thought about doing so. "I’ve always wanted to do it just for fun and a reason to grow my beard out for a little bit,” Smith said. Other first-timers like Justin Lyons entered because of friends but also to explore the idea of joining the Elks. “It’s a cool thing to do,” he said. But it wasn’t an easy thing to do and the hardest part was “the hot weather,” he said. Of course,some entrants were veteran Beard-A-Reno participants,like Mike Sczepanik,a sometime Elks bartender,who has participated — and won — eight or nine times,he said. "I like to win.I’ve won six times and I love this lodge,” he said.
Photos by Frank Cowan/Contributor
Telesforo Galindo,of Grover Beach,celebrates after being judged the winner in the “Blackest Beard”competition during the annual Elks Beard-A-Reno at the Santa Maria Elks Club.Below,a judge uses a flashlight to examine contestant Jim Fitzgerald’s beard during the annual whisker-growing contest.
2014 Beard-A-Reno winners Reddest — John Thomas Hendryx Blackest — Telesforo Galindo Jr. Best Goatee — Jamie Needham Whitest — Jeff Fitzgerald Ugliest Boot — Jamie Needham Longest — Vincent Cruz Wildest — Kelly Buentiempo Best Mustache — Ray Shrubb
Bobby Freeman,an Elks volunteer called Sczepanik “the spirit of the lodge,” and Rosie Lopez said “He’s the best bartender ever.” Lopez said Beard-A-Reno is so popular because it’s the kickoff of a string of events related to the annual Elks Rodeo.
Table Decoration — Renee Elwell Early Beginner — Jim Buentiempo Best Sideburns — Jamie Needham Best Attempt — Zack Wallace Best Western Characterization — John Hall Ladies’ Choice — Brian Elwell Miss Wrangler — Anntasia Curtis Best All-Around — Brian Elwell “It’s the beginning of rodeo and everyone loves rodeo,” she said. Gail Guerra had a similar feeling about the event.“It’s a great down-home fun thing to do,” she said. Tom Lopez recalls the tradition which spans all ages.
"There’s grandpas,and young guys and just a lot of generations that get involved to try and win a buckle,” he said.
The rodeo’s four-day run starts Thursday at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center and continues through Sunday.
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Elks Rodeo and Parade 2014 — Lee Central Coast Newspapers — 11
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