Each July the Empire Ranch Foundation celebrates the National Day of the Cowboy(NDOC) at the historic Empire Ranch. It’s a free, fun family event. We welcome participation in NDOC by vendors and non-profit organizations. Use the links on the menu to the left to register.
Plan to Attend
National Day of the Cowboy
July 27, 2024
See below for the 2023 schedule of events. Program details for the 2024 celebration will be posted in June.
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
