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Written
By:
Caroline Vann
November 1, 2006 |
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Thirteen years ago members of several organizations
from Colusa and Glenn counties formed a group
called Colusa Western Days (CWD). Each
organization was represented by a member/s on
the original CWD board. Marsha Bucke, Dave
Forster and Jerry Vann for Glenn-Colusa
Cattlemen; Sherry Maltby for Glenn-Colusa
CattleWomen; Kathy Griffin and Leslie
Ferrendellil for Colusa Sheriffs Posse’ and
Emmet Pennebaker for Horsemens. Their main goal
was to bring the “Western Way of Life” to
Northern California, especially to the younger
generation who knows little about agriculture
and how the West was at one time. CWD has made
it a point to keep this 3 day event free to the
public.
During the first few years CWD grew with new
events. We started Friday evening with a Cattle
Drive through down town Colusa followed by
Celebrate Penning, and Western Trade Show at the
Fairgrounds. The Trade Show(painting, hand
crafts, furniture, jewelry, cookware, etc.) and
Penning continued throughout the weekend. This
still holds true today. With growth came new
members from the community to help sponsor other
events. The 44th Agriculture District Fair is
one of our sponsors.
The weather became our biggest challenge the
first few years. CWD and the Fairgrounds
jointed together to purchase canvas walls to
put around one barn to serve as a dinning
hall/bar with entertainment in the evenings.
The group has drawn a bigger crowd each year at
all events. CWD has become a very popular event
among the Penners throughout the State.
In the eary 2000’s a very popular event called
Dutch Oven Cooking was added by Don Mason, a
former Colusa resident. Teams from Northern
California and Nevada competed for the honor
of saying they are the champs for the years.
The public is invited to pay $5.00 to taste any
and all dishes and judge their favorite dish.
This too becomes a heated race. Fun can be
found from morning till dark in this building.
Watch out though the stories get deep.
Farm Day was added back to CWD four years ago,
bringing 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from Colusa
and Sutter Counties. This is a day long event
showing students doing as much hands on with
agriculture and cowboys. Students try their
hands at roping, planting seeds, gold panning,
and many other things.
Four years ago we added Girls Barrel Racing,
with Barbara Hamner chair. This event brings in
girls from all over the state and beyond. This
past 2006 event was a benefit for Mikel Moreno,
son to Juilo and Cindy Moreno and grandson to
Cotton Rosser from Maryville area. Mikel lost
his battle to Leukemia this past June. Colusa
Western Days is happy to announce that $7000.00
was raised for Mikel benefit. Mikel wish was to
help others, so a Mikel Moreno Foundation has
been set up to help children in need from
agriculture families. This next year Barbara
will again chair this event.
“You got Ribs?” that’s the call on Sunday
morning at the Fairgrounds. For the past 2
years the Glenn-Colusa CattleWomen, with Carrie
Morrel and Kerri Wells, co-chair, have hosted a
Beef & Pork Rib Cookoff. Teams compete for
prizes, while the public looks on. In the past
a luncheon was served highlighting the ribs. In
2007 the cookoff will see some new changes.
This event and the Western Trade Show raises
money for the Glenn-Colusa CattleWomen’s
scholarships and Ag in the Classroom activities.
Another event was added in 2006 called Ranch
Roping. People from out of state came to
compete with the local boys. This is an event
that will grow in time. It is amazing to watch
cowboys make a big loop with their long, long
ropes. This event will be moved to Saturday
night. Many other events go on during the 3
days, but are not listed here in this letter.
CWD has helped bring money into the community.
Many of the contestants bring their RV’s and
park at the Fairgrounds. They shop in local
stores, gas stations, restaurants, and even some
stay in motels. In turn the CWD committee has
given back to the community by buying items for
the Fairgrounds. This was one of our top goals
when forming CWD. Other organizations to have
fund raisers during CWD are: Colusa County 4-H
Clubs, F. F. A. Chapters, Young Farmers &
Ranchers, Rotary, Children’s Services, Colusa
PTA, Colusa County Chamber of Commerce and Sac
River Cast Iron Cookers.
As always
food, entertainment, friends and fun can be
found at the Colusa County Fairgrounds on the
first weekend in April. If you are interested
in helping with CWD, please call one of the
members and we will be happy to put you to work,
after all this is growing event for Colusa
County.
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