Each July the Empire Ranch Foundation celebrates the National Day of the Cowboy(NDOC) at the historic Empire Ranch. It’s a fun family event. We welcome participation in NDOC by vendors and non-profit organizations. Over 350 guests attended the 2025 celebration on July 26, 2025.
National Day of the Cowboy
Program
Entertainment:
- Music by Jay Faircloth
- Cowgirl Poetry by Maria Eastman
Demonstrations/Activities
- Animal husbandry by Santa Cruz County 4-H
- Blacksmithing by Ron Applegate
- Hat Making by Mike Marsh Hats
- Horsemanship by Regi Richter Basinger
- Horse Shoeing by Tyler Basinger
- Ranching tools by Bill Schock
- Saddlemaking by Drew Bevan-Church
- Saddle demo & leather making by Mark Ellis & Rick Collins (try your hand at making small leather bags)
- Telegraphy by Joe Mortimer
- Western Sketch Artist by Chip Travers
Trail Rides
Take a 45-minute trail ride ($45). Riders must be age 8 or older; a parent/guardian must ride with children under 18 years of age. First ride of the day is at 8 am; last ride at noon.
Great Grub
Hamburger & Hot Dog lunch. ($10/plate). Lunch can be purchased at the event.
Docent Tours of the Empire Ranch House at 9, 10, and 11. Sign up at the Gift Shop.
Plan to shop in the ERF Gift Shop.
Vendors & Non-Profits:
- Arizona Rangers – Sonoita Company
- Covenant Creek Farm (goat milk soap)
- Doug Hocking (western author)
- Friends of Sahuarita Community 4-H Club
- 1Happy LadyBug Unique Designs (gifts, art)
- Mescal Movie Set
- Terrific Things (jewelry, visors)
- Western Creations (hand-painted Native American creations)
Admission to the event is free making it an accessible outing for families and individuals interested in Western traditions. Donations are gratefully accepted.
