LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Horse Council’s second annual Fiesta of the Horse was held on Sunday, June 30, drawing an enthusiastic crowd despite triple-digit temperatures.

More than 200 people enjoyed the shade in the spectator area.

Again the event was held at Rancho de la Fuente, on Soda Bay road outside of Lakeport.

Owners Frank and Rosana Perez rolled out the welcome mat, providing tents and chairs for the audience, and going the extra mile to be the most excellent hosts imaginable. They open up their beautiful ranch for this event at no charge, their gift to the community.

“Gift to the community” is also the Horse Council's motivation for putting on this family event, according to show organizer Deb Baumann.

To defray expenses this year, the LCHC welcomed co-sponsors who donated prizes or money. The resulting silent auction and prize raffle provided additional entertainment in addition to covering costs. Even modest admission fees can make an event off-bounds for many families.

The LCHC hopes to see more parents bring children next year (one little girl won a free riding lesson in this year’s raffle).

After a dramatic grand entry with flag presentation by members of the Lake County Junior Horsemen, the opening act was a thrilling display of medieval jousting (the first time an audience in Lake County has been privileged to watch two armored knights tilting at each other).

Extra kudos to Brian Claiche and Scott Donohoe for wearing chain mail and steel helmets in the triple-digit heat, and to Denise Claiche who made everyone look stunning with her costume creations for humans and horses.

Other performances included a return of Flamenca & Garrocha, Arabian, Morgan, mustang and colonial Spanish horse breed demonstrations, a Western dressage musical exhibition by Nancy Williams, a comedy wild west act provided by sharpshooter Annie Oakley, and mounted shooting.

Fiesta of the Horse showcases local talent and creates a bridge between the horse community and its neighbors. The LCHC appreciates the sponsors whose generosity enable LCHC to put on this event at no charge to the public.

The event’s primary co-sponsor is Rancho de la Fuente. Additional major sponsors this year were the Highland Springs Equestrian Center, Holdenreid Harvesting, Hooves & Wheels Carriage Club, Rancho Californio, and the Tallman Hotel/Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake.

Other business co-sponsors were Balius Farm Miniature Sport Horses, Barreda’s Lower Lake Feed Store, Bruno’s Shop Smart, Gaddy Shack Ranch, Rainbow Ag, RB Peters and Wine Country Blanket Repair.

Individual co-sponsors were Deb Baumann, Scott Bennett, Dorothy Collett, Dana DiRicco, Debbie James Elliot, Tina Herman, Sheri Holdener, and Kim and Mike Riley.

The LCHC is very grateful to all who volunteered that day. In addition to many already named above, volunteers included Allan Bibbee, Whitney Braito, Barbara Claiche, Makenna Kidd, Kate Erquiaga, Toni James, Laura Jernigan, Kenn and Susan McCarty, Jeannie Ruminski, Frank Stawicki, Heather Stentz, Carol Thorn, Alexandra and Juliana Vidich, and Virginia Vovchuk. Kim and Mike Riley did an awesome job coordinating the parking.

Special thanks to flamenco dancer Diane Stawicki, who set up multiple comfort stations featuring iced water (courtesy of Bruno's), cookies, chips and fruit cups for volunteers and performers alike, paid for by “Friends of Diane” (folks who enjoyed last year's show and who wanted to help support this year's). It was an extraordinary effort, appreciated by all.

Raffle and auction items sent many audience members home with armloads of goodies (someone went home with a certificate for 20 bales of hay, courtesy of Holdenried Harvesting).