SCHOOLS
LIFE
LEISURE
Female students learn construction
Lemonade Stand Contest photos
New PowPAC play will open Sept. 27
PAGE 7
PAGE 9
PAGE 13
ECRWSS PRESORTED STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 906 SAN DIEGO, CA
POSTAL CUSTOMER
THE POWAY EAGLE
Volume 1 Issue 3 • September 2019
www.www.EagleSD.com
IT’S RODEO TIME!
The Poway Farmers Market has an abundance of produce and food, and much more. (photos by John Gregory)
Cowboys and cowgirls
Poway Farmers Market thrives every Saturday
will compete in the Poway Rodeo, now in its
By Terry L. Wilson
Y
47th year. The Poway Rodeo is set for Sept. 27 and 28 at 14336 Tierra Bonita Road. (photo by Reed Settle)
By Dave Kensler
T
he Poway Rodeo returns for its 47th year Sept. 27 and 28 at the Poway Valley Riders Association’s grounds located on 14336 Tierra Bonita Road. “The Poway Rodeo is known all over the country by competitors and fans,” said Murray Bankhead, chairman of the Poway Rodeo. “It is an official rodeo sponsored by the Pro Cowboy Rodeo Association (PRCA), which means you can see the top performers in their events.” Whether you are a veteran rodeo fan or someone who has never attended a rodeo, Bankhead guarantees an exciting, fun-filled and action-packed experience. “One thing we learned from millennials is they see the rodeo through a different perspective,” he explained. “For them, the Rodeo Jam free dances on Friday and Saturday nights are a major attraction.” In an effort to draw kids to the rodeo experience, a new addition this year is the is “Kids Buck Day” on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 28.
NEWS, Pages 2-4
•
“Every kid 12-years and under gets into the rodeo for a dollar and all the activities we have planned for kids only cost a dollar each,” Bankhead said. The major attractions, of course, are the professional riding events including bronc riding – both bareback and saddle – barrel racing, steer wrestling and calf roping. One aspect of rodeos that makes them unique is the warmups are primarily for the benefit of the animals and not the riders. “You (the riders) have to be ready, as you get one shot to earn a dollar and then it is over,” Bankhead explained. “It is highly competitive.” There is a singular goal in mind for the riders. “All of these competitors are working toward the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas the first couple of weeks in December,” Bankhead stated. “As soon as they finish in Poway, it is on to the next rodeo in the circuit.” Another way to experience the Poway Rodeo is to volunteer and Bankhead, who is in his third year as chairman, says it is a great opportunity to be a part of something special. “Our rodeo is 100 percent volunteer run,” he said. “We have almost 70 volunteers who work and staff it. But we can always use See RODEO, Page 4
SCHOOLS, Pages 5-8
•
LIFE, Pages 9-10
•
ou might think that after you’ve seen one farmers market, you’ve seen them all. With that said, Poway’s smalltown charm adds a special ingredient to its weekly gathering of local farmers and their potpourri of fresh produce, homemade tasty treats and fresh squeezed everything, plus a little something for man’s best friend and other items. “This September will mark 26 years for our Farmers Market, and I’ve been there since day-one,” said Market Manager Suzanne Bendixen. “We are open on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. come rain or shine, with 75 vendors taking up a little more than two blocks. Our crowds are so large that each week we keep breaking records from the previous month.” During one recent visit to the market, a very long line formed around Desiree Hogervorst-Ortiz, known affectionately by her customers as the Egg Lady. She has been selling eggs for 25 years. “We have a farm in Ramona called the Happy Hen,” Hogervost-Ortiz said. “All of our eggs are fresh and tasty. They’re amazing because of what we feed the chickens. It’s all organic. We also
LEISURE, Pages 11-14
•
SPORTS, Page 15
have pasture raised organic chickens.” Lynda Howard of Kawano Farms is another long-time participant at the Poway Farmers Market. With each passing year her regulars become more like family than customers. “We have many repeat customers that show up every week for our berries,” Howard said. “We get to know generations of families over the years. The Kawano family has been farming in the hills of Oceanside for over 60 years and we sell farm fresh products, and we’re famous for our berries. They sell out fast, so get here early.” While many vendors have worked the Poway Farmers Market for decades, there are a few newcomers like Awafee Gluten Free, celebrating its first year at the Poway Farmers Market. “Everything here at Awafee is homemade, it’s all prepared in a gluten-free kitchen,” said Amy Shahrabani. “We have a variety of cakes, tiramisu and four different flavors of crème brulée. They’re all delicious, but our macaroons may be our most popular treat.” Awafee’s cakes and cookies may satisfy your sweet tooth, but if something spicy See FARMERS MARKET, Page 4
•
HOMES, Page 16