National Day of the Cowboy, July 27, 2024

Each July the Empire Ranch Foundation celebrates the National Day of the Cowboy at the historic Empire Ranch.    It’s a free, fun family event. The program below is updated frequently so be sure to check back to see all we have to offer.

Plan to Attend National Day of the Cowboy

July 27, 2024

2023 Program

Music and Cowboy Poetry by Arizona Cowboy, Gary Kirkman

Demonstrations:

• Blacksmithing & Chuckwagon cooking by Ron Applegate
• Civilian and military saddles and weapons by Mark Ellis
• Ranching tools by Bill Schock
• Reata braiding by Dick Schorr
• Horse’n Around Rescue Ranch
• Groundwork horse training by Regi Richter, Arizona Horseman’s Challenge Participant
• Shaw pack goats by Steve Shaw

Trail Rides

Take a 45-minute trail ride; $45/ride.  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

Enjoy a Chuckwagon breakfast, lunch or both!  $10 for Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Potatoes and a Tortilla from 8am – 9:30am. $15 for Pulled Pork Sliders, Trail Beans and Coleslaw from 11:30am – 1pm.

Docent Tours at 9, 10, and 11

Plan to shop in the ERF Gift Shop.

Vendors & Non-Profits:

• Buck It Rope (halters & more)
• Buckland Abbey L.L.C. (Western author Doug Hocking)
• Calico Cowgirl Nails
• Corie Sue’s Creations (jewelry, beaded baskets)
• Field Mouse Goods (handcrafted goods for home and baby)
• Mark Santiago (Western author)
• Mescal Movie Set
• Naughty Donkey (western jewelry, wine coasters, wind glass charms)
• Paws Patrol, Inc. (animal rescue organization)
• Sahuarita Community 4-H
• Renewal by Andersen (windows & doors)
• The Rusty Spur Tails & Designs (equine tail bags)
• Therapeutic Riding of Tucson
• Tombstone Pottery
• Vera Earl Premium Beef
• Western Creations

 

Click here to view photos of  the 2023 celebration.