Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade 75th Anniversary

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Page 1

90 Years of Investing in Our Communities The Santa Barbara Foundation was established in 1928 by Max Fleischmann and a forward thinking group who wanted to enrich the lives of people from Santa Maria to Carpinteria. For more than 90 years, the Santa Barbara Foundation has been a center of civic activity, a vibrant resource for its engaged citizens, a solver of problems, a partner

Left to right: Sister Benedict, Mother Marilyn, Santa Barbara Foundation Board President, John A. Parma, Philomene Sesto and John Sesto, Marian Hosptial Board President, at Marian Hospital in 1963.

Aerial view of the 1964 Santa Ynez Hospital, currently known as the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.

View of Lompoc Hospital’s ER entrance circa 1977. The Santa Barbara Foundation contributed a lead

gift in construction of a new facility known as the Lompoc Valley Medical Center.

Page 2 support — 75 ofYears of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

in charitable giving, and a critical supporter of community organizations and efforts.

The foundation’s work has benefited countless nonprofit organizations and essential community projects across Santa Barbara County. As we have grown, our goals have remained the same – turning dollars and ideas into community impact.

Committed to Our County

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Index 1940s.............................. 6-10 1950s ..............................11-15 1960s ........................... 16-20 1970s .............................21-26 1980s ........................... 27-30 1990s ...........................32-33 2000s ...........................34-39 2010s............................40-46

75 Years of Elks Rodeo Special supplement produced by the Santa Maria Times.

Cynthia Schur / President and Publisher cschur@leecentralcoastnews.com Marga Cooley / Managing Editor mcooley@leecentralcoastnews.com Braxton Carroll / Layout and Design bcarroll@leecentralcoastnews.com

Special Tributes Phil Harwick .................. 23 Clarence Minetti .............31

3200 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455 www.santamariatimes.com

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Page 3

This is a special year for the Santa Maria Elks.

It’s the 75th Anniversary of their Santa Maria Elks Rodeo.

This year’s “Denim and Diamonds” rodeo run, from May 31 through June 3, promises to be the biggest and best ever.

There have been a lot of changes over the past 75 years but there has been one constant running throughout the rodeo’s history – the Santa Maria Times’ commitment to the longest-running community event in our Valley’s history.

We were there at the start and we’re still here today, like the rodeo, growing stronger and better every year.

On May 11, 1944, we kicked off our coverage two weeks before the inaugural Elks Rodeo with a preview of “The first wild west show and racing meet under the auspices of the newly organized Elks Recreation Foundation.”

Working hand-in-hand with the Elks Recreation Committee to provide you with the best, most comprehensive coverage of the Valley’s premiere event, we’ve been part of the Elks Rodeo ever since.

To commemorate those 75 years of history, we’ve prepared this special Diamond Jubilee edition that takes you back to the beginning and follows the rodeo right up to today. If you skip ahead to Page 8, you’ll be able to read the very first Santa Maria Elks Rodeo article we published.

You’ll also see that first rodeo had many familiar events such as bronc riding, bareback riding, bulldogging and team roping.

The Elks included the children right from the start with “events for junior riders under 12 years of age, and for those under 16.”

And the children are even more involved today, with 6,000 local children coming out each year to attend the Minetti Mini Rodeo. This year sees the start of a new tradition, the Miss Mini Rodeo and Junior Barrelman competitions.

Like the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Lodge #1538, we share this commitment to our community.

Over the years, Elks Rec has raised millions – nearly $12 million to date – money that is given back to the community to help our Valley’s youth and youth organizations.

The Santa Maria Times is a longtime sponsor of the Elks Rodeo and as part of the Diamond Jubilee, the Times is co-sponsoring with Elks Recreation the first Cowboy Up Casino night, on Saturday, June 2, to raise money to help local families with children who are battling cancer.

The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is more than just an annual tradition, it keeps history alive – the heart and soul of the Santa Maria Valley.

We hope you enjoy this historic look at the first 75 years of Elks Rodeo.

And we’d like you to join us in wishing the Santa Maria Elks a Happy 75th Anniversary.

Now it’s time to “Cowboy Up.”

Cynthia Schur President and Publisher Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Marga Cooley Managing Editor Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Page 4 — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Elliott Stern Senior Sports Writer Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Peter Sterling President, Elks Recreation, Inc.

to es us pause iv g it r a e y ta th s of the San Parade’s 75 g d in n n a o in e g e d b o Elks R umble lebrate the ck on the h e a c b ity. e k w o n lo e , h y unit ur commun m o f m o o t c r This year w r a u p o l integra e history of e become an ’s it reflect on th w o rses were th h o d H n . a s r o e e h d c Ro ttle ran nd Maria Elks ing cattle a rk of our ca o d r w e h d r d a e h s e u were t of th t the ion grew ou to work the ranch and d, and played hard. A it d a tr o e es d o r The r sportation ly and at tim worked ha n d r a n e tr h ie f c fr o n e a e r c m r le o u e catt er to s f the old primary so g calves. Th nge each oth cowboy. In the spirit o in e d ll n a a h r c b ld d e u n o roping a e the top would be th cowboys w in o e m h r th w te , , s e e y s d a r d o to wild h an… end of their -friendly competition ould ride a o rodeo beg c s o d h n w o A s e . e tg s o egin to brandin perhaps n e-down for ges would b n ti e lf ll a a c h c d n e ed a west, th s who work r wrestling r e e h te c s , n a g r in e p nd fastest at ro minder of th r God and country, a e r A . e g a it our her a love fo celebrate all ok back to stock, had to e lo v e li a m ir is ti e o a e th is d r s and And it care fo Today, Ro s, Candidate rs mmunity. ir families, n o e e c e th d u r n q a fo o y e e r il d a o hard to c ons of dolla for both fam odge members, past r li t il c e m p s d e e r is d a n Elks L own rs and r had a love a volunteers, here in our untless hou f t o o c h s n ig d r e n g iv a s g in u e nd thriv who hav of the tho alive, well a anizations g n r o io it y d it a n tr u comm ept the and have k th u o y r eans to u o for ch rodeo m u m w o ! h y e it e It’s n commu s together. y, you will s r u s to g is in h r r b u t o a OUR ages of ause th y. This is Y vent, it’s a c ugh these p it e o n r y u a th d m k rm o u o lo c fo an a in our As you uch more th h help to others with m ’s it e s u a c c rds. us, be so mu be its stewa at provides to th t d s u ly o r ta p a e c r the we a !

Maria, and Let’s Rodeo ! r rodeo Santa a e y l a ic is histor us ready th g in lp e h r fo Thank you

ng , Inc. Peter Sterli Recreation s lk E t, n e id Pres Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Page 5

1943: The Beginning The Elks Recreation Foundation was established in 1943 when it held its first fundraising event, a dance at the Veterans Memorial Building. They used the funds raised from that event to stage the first Elks Rodeo in 1944.

The first Elks rodeo, held June 3 and 4, 1944, netted almost $3,000 — most of which was realized through the raffle of a saddle. This initial two-day event, billed as the “Elks Recreation Foundation Benefit Wild West Shows and Race Meet,” was preceded each day by a mounted parade starting at the Veterans Memorial Building, through the city, to the fairgrounds. Exalted Ruler B.R. Griffith was chariman of the first administrative committe, and Elmer Griset was vice chairman. Other active members were C.C.M. Nielsen and C.L. Kyle. Noah Henry was listed as arena director, Cliff Hicks assisting; Dr. Loyd M. Clemons, manager; Curtis Tunnell, announcer; A.B. Hanson was chairman of the racing events.

B. Russ Griffith, Exalted Ruler, 1944-1945 Tickets on sale for rodeo in 1945 at Rex Cafe. Standing from left to right are Jack Roberts, unidentified man with back to camera, Al Stone barely seen, Rick Ferini, Rex owner Owen Cowden, and an unidentified man.

Page 6 — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

J.D. Macdonald, Exhalted Ruler 1946-1947

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Page 7

At left is a clipping from the May 11, 1944 Santa Maria TImes.

Above, Sheriff Jack Ross, 1949 Elks Rodeo Parade Grand Marshall

Page 8 — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

1947: First Queen Crowned

Carolyn (Susy) McCartney, first Rodeo Queen, 1947.

The rodeo was becoming a successful annual event, and the Elks continued to expand their program.

For the 1947 event, General Chairman Leonard Peterson announced a new committee lead by C.C.M. Nielsen, to introduce a queen contest.

Originally the contest had eight entrants, but Beverly Mae Buell of Buellton had to drop out of the contest due to college entrance exam schedules.

The contestants were: Susy McCartney, Betteravia; Leota Waugh, rural Santa Maria; Freida Muscio, Casmalia; Betty Basquez, Orcutt; and Lydia Guggia, Myrna Wood, and Michaela Grimmittee of Santa Maria.

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Above left, 1947 Elks Rodeo and Race Meet program cover.

Above, an ad in the Santa Maria Times promoting the 1947 Elks Rodeo and Race Meet.

Right, 1949 Rodeo Queen Barbara Ferrari.

Page 10 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Left, 1957 Queen candidates, front row: Linda McElhany, Nancy Giorgi, Doris Cross, Judy Valelez; back row: Laura Lee Tognazzini, Joyce Fleming, Patty McFall, Diana Averback, Deerie Thomas Above, 1957 Queen Laura Tognazzini Below, Elks Lodge 1538 float entry in the 14th Annual Elks Rodeo Parade, 1957

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 11

Far left, Lt. Governor Harold J. Powers as Grand Marshal of the 1957 Rodeo Parade.

Left, the Queen’s float in 1952.

Below, the Queen’s float moves through the intersection of Broadway and Main streets in 1956.

Page 12 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

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Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 13

Top, 1956 Elks Rodeo Parade Above, grades four and five of the elementary school band march down Broadway Street in Santa Maria during the 1953 Elks Rodeo Parade.

Right, clipping from May 26, 1952 Santa Maria Times.

Page 14 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Top left, Santa Maria Times clipping announcing Marjorie Dennerlein as 1952 Queen.

Top right, Tulare High School wins 1952 Elks rodeo parade sweepstakes trophy.

Left, 1952 Queens float.

Above, Elks Past Exalted Rulers entry in 1958 rodeo parade..

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Above left, Bernice & Frank Dean were part of the entertainment in 1962.

Above right, Bobby Acquistapace picked as Junior Parade Marshal in 1961.

Left, Clarence Minetti presents allaround buckle to Reg Jespen, the 1963 winner.

Page 16 — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

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Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 17

Top left, Daryl Hobdy riding “Empty Saddles”, 1965 Above, cover of Elks Rodeo special section of the Santa Maria Times, 1967 Left, 1962 Queen candidates. Front row: Valerie Stephens, Pat Skaggs. Middle row: Carmen Hernandez, Dorie Rios, Sandy Von Sickle, Sandy Nedegaard. Back row: Candy Treankler, Linda Austin, Sandra Prophet Below: Large sticker to promote the 1963 Rodeo & Race Meet.

Page 18 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Top, Agin Bros. & Territorial Law, circa 1969 Left: 1963 Queen candidates Hermana Granillo, Michael Hunter, Dianne Fitzsimmons, Rose Marie Souza, Sandy Martin, Bonnie Norman, and Sally Carricaburu.

Above, Past Exalted Rulers float 1963-64 Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 19

Left, caught without their marshal booster buttons: Chuck Venable, Butch Simas and a friend, Clarence Minetti, Gene Olivera, Bob Torres and sons Kenny and Terry, and John Weldon, 1962.

Below, 1965 Beard-A-Reno breakfast held at the Far Western in Guadalupe. Richard Allen (Dickie) Giovannci (front row, fifth from right, pointing towards camera) died in Vietnam in 1967.

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Page 22 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Phil Harwick 1944 - 2018

Elks Recreation, Inc. President, 2012-2018

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Page 23

Top left, Earl Coon riding “Justin”, 1978.

Top right, Kelly Caldera being thrown from “Dynamite”, 1978.

Above, an unknown cowboy on the ground, 1976.

Right, Stan Smith after being tossed by “Cactus Kid”, 1976.

Page 24 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Above, a Santa Maria Times article from June 4, 1976 announces the crowning of Lori Roberts as Elks Rodeo Queen.

Left, a 1977 ticket for the Elks Rodeo Queen Banquet and Dance.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Page 25

Top left, John Madden announced as Elks Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal, Santa Maria Times, 1977.

Above, Mary Carroll named as 1973 Queen, Santa Maria Times.

Left, Cotton Rosser as seen in this clipping from the June 1, 1977 Santa Maria Times.

Page 26 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Below, 1989 Queen candidates. Front row: Victoria Tosti, Rebecca Asistin, Wilma Tomilloso, Francine Rodriquez. Back row: Michelle Lee Nelson, Heather Lourenco, Tammy Lish, Crystal Bacolot, Shelly Rasmussen.

Above, 1988 Queen candidates Lindsey Jewell, Kelley Grindle, Toni Sanna, Kathy Silva, JoDee Ancheta, Carol Whittemore, Heather Marsh, Shannon McDuffie Lizalde, Dana Story, Rosemary Farao.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 27

Top, The Santa Maria Times asks a question of the 1984 Queen candidates.

Above left, Clarence Minetti, Bobby Acquistapace, Bob Pyche and Butch Simas look over decorations at Iversen’s Motors, 1988.

Above, cover of the 1988 Elks Rodeo program.

Far left, barrel racer Sandra Jones, 1988 Left, Grand Marshal Yvonne De Carlo during 1988 Elks Rodeo Parade.

Page 28 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Above left, Casey Vollin riding “Red Lady”, 1988.

Above right, Ted Nuce on “Bullseye Bar-B-Q”, 1986 Left, Unknown rider on “Classic Velvet, 1981-82 Bareback Horse of the Year.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 29

Top, Captain Lynn Ventura, right, and the Elks Color Guard prepare to be in the 1989 Elks Rodeo Parade.

Above left, Butch Simas, John Knapp, 1989 Queen Rebecca Asistin, Bob Pyche, and Clarence Minetti.

Above right, Forth Hoyt, of Burns, Oregon, gets himself ready for the bronc riding portion of the 1989 Elks Rodeo.

Page 30 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Clarence Minetti 1918 - 2011

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Page 31

Above, Minetti Arena at the Santa Maria Fairpark, 1990.

Right, brothers Eugene Marino and Robert Marino competing against each other in the 1997 Elks Beard-A-Reno.

Left, 1993 Queen candidates: Dawna Garcia, Silvia Marie Almaguer, Leila Vea (in truck), Mandy Ramos, Janie Shafer, Stacy Willemsen, and Belinda Flores.

Next page, Contestants line up for judging during the 1990 Beard-A-Reno.

Page 32 — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

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Above, a skydiver soars high above the Elks Unocal Events Center during the National Anthem, 2002.

Left, Sophie Cordova closes her eyes and holds on to the sheep as it springs from the gate in the mutton busting competition, 2009.

Right, a stunt rider shows her skills at the 2007 rodeo.

Page 34 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

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Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 35

Above left, Rebecca Grimes rides with flag in hand during the Elks Rodeo sponsor flag carriers tryouts, 2009.

Above top right, Mayor Larry Lavagnino and councilwoman Alice Patino wave in the 2007 Elks Parade.

Second from top right, 2002 Queen candidates: front row, Jennifer Domingos, Jevie Tomilloso, Gabriela Loredon, middle row, Natalie Wilson, Lacey Tankersley, back row, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Boster, Jennifer Ratcliff.

Third from top right: The Touring Elks ride their horses with flags in hand during the 2007 Elks Rodeo Parade.

Right: 2007 Queen candidates: Sam Garley, Brittney Wood, Lindsey Brown and Eva Marquez.

Page 36 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Top left, a rodeo clown addresses the crowd during the 2009 Elks Rodeo.

Top right, Dan Erickson holding on during his ride, 2006.

Right, Virginia McClintock of Temecula, rides in the WPRA barrel race competition, 2006.

Far right, Cody Campbell holds on for a score of 85.00 during Professional Bull Riding, 2009.

Below, Elks Rodeo marshals listen to the Star Spangled Banner, 2003.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 37

Above left, Cason Nakasawa rides a sheep during the Mutton Bustin’ on June 5, 2005.

Above, Jim Elkins, with the handle bar moustache and Chairman of the Beard-A-Reno, Mike Boling pose with their beards, 2006.

Left, a cowboy competes in the Wild Horse Race, 2009.

Below, Steve Brannon arrives to attend the Beard-A-Reno at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge, 2009.

Below left, 2007 Queen buckle awarded to Samantha Garley.

Page 38 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Top, Elks event staff hold the American flag during opening night cemermonies of the 2007 Elks Rodeo.

Above left, A cowboy gets thrown from a bucking bronco during the 2009 Elks Mini Rodeo.

Above middle, Two-year-old Santa Maria resident Steve Haro stands with the hundreds of onlookers that lined Broadway to see the annual 2002 Elks Rodeo Parade.

Above right, a rodeo barrelman comes eye to eye with a bull after bucking off it’s rider.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 39

Above, 2017 Queen candidate Cheyenne Perry and her grandmother, 1962 Queen candidate Dorie Rios.

Below, “Chicks in Chaps” Fundraiser for cancer at the 71st Annual Elks Rodeo.

Page 40 — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Top left, Jessy Davis, of Power, Montana, and his horse, leave the ground during bareback riding competition, 2014.

Top right, Uhuru Adem, originally from Ethiopia and now living in Clovis, was successful in his ride, 2014.

Left, Caleb Bennett competes in the bareback riding event, 2011.

Above, Jacob Lees hangs on to the rope in the bull riding round of the California High School Rodeo Association District 7 rodeo, 2012.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 41

Top right, the Santa Maria Times’ own Elliott Stern clowning around during the Minetti Mini Rodeo 2016.

Top left, the Santa Maria Times’ Jason Anderson falls out of the barrel after pro clown Justin C. Rumford, left, rolls him around during Rodeo Clown School at the Elks Unocal Rodeo grounds in Santa Maria, 2016.

Above, Joseph Keller poses with his belt buckle and Elks Rodeo Queen Contestant Anneke Dobbe after winning the “Whitest Beard” portion of the 53rd Annual Beard-A-Reno and Ms. Wrangler Contest 2012.

Right, Specialty act The Flying Cowboys close out the final Elks Rodeo performance for 2014 at the Elks Unocal Event Center Sunday.

Page 42 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Covering the Elks Rodeo for 75 years.

Your local source for news.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 43

Top left, 2010 2nd runner up Cynthia Castaneda, Queen Chantal Morgan, and 1st runner up Amy Guerra.

Top right, Kenny Emerick shows off his moves at the Mutton Bustin dress-up contest at the 71st Annual Elks Rodeo and Parade, 2014.

Above, Elks Citizen of the Year Bobby Acquistapace in the 2012 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade.

Right, members of the Victor McLaglen Motor Corps entertain the crowd before the start of the 2015 Elks Rodeo Parade on S. Broadway.

Page 44 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

Top, Cowgirls wait to enter the arena Friday night at the start of the 68th annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, 2011.

Above, kids battling cancer receive applause at the the 2016 Golden Circle of Champions dinner at the Elks Rodeo, where they enjoyed front-row seats for the rodeo events that night. They also were given special belt buckles to acknowledge their fight against cancer.

Above middle, the Empty Saddle ceremony is held at the start of the 2013 Elks Rodeo at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center in memory of those who have died in the past year.

Right, Golden Circle of Champions attendee, 2017.

Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 45

Top, 2018 Queen candidates, Carolina Lemus, Hannah MacLean, Makana Mahelona, Kate Compton, and Seyenna Cavazos take a break in the billiards room at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge before the kickoff dinner and auction.

Above, another group photo of the 2018 Queen candidates.

At left is the 2018 Elks Rodeo & Parade Belt Buckle.

Page 46 — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times

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Santa Maria Times — 75 Years of Elks Rodeo ­— Page 47

Circa 1940

Celebrating more than 75 years alongside the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade

Today

Marian Regional Medical Center is honored to sponsor of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade, and is pleased to have served our Central Coast community for 78 years. Since our inception in 1940, we have continuously developed to meet the needs of those we serve, offering expanded medical services as our community continues to grow.

Marian Regional is now a technologically advanced, 191-bed facility that provides quality care to all, and we are proud fellow members of the history of this great community. Our integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services including primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced laboratories and imaging centers, and a full service home health agency are all recognized for safety and service.

We congratulate the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo on celebrating 75 years!

To find a doctor on the Central Coast, call 805.270.2513.

Page 48 ­— 75 Years of Elks Rodeo — Santa Maria Times