Each July the Empire Ranch Foundation celebrates the National Day of the Cowboy(NDOC) at the historic Empire Ranch. It’s a 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 2024 preliminary schedule of events. Check back often for updates.
2024 Preliminary Program
As of July 14, 2024
Demonstrations:
- Blacksmithing by Ron Applegate
- Hat Making by Mike Marsh
- Horse Demonstration by Regi Richter
- Horse’n Around Rescue mini horses by Steve Boice
- Ranch Animals by Santa Cruz County 4-H
- Ranching tools by Bill Schock
- Rawhide (reata) braiding by Dick Schorr
- Saddlemaking by Drew Bevan-Church
- Saddles & Weapons by Mark Ellis
- Telegraphy by Joseph Mortimer
Trail Rides
Take a 45-minute trail ride ($45). 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 breakfast, lunch or both, served up by Gunny’s BBQ of Sierra Vista.
Docent Tours at 9, 10, and 11
Plan to shop in the ERF Gift Shop.
Vendors & Non-Profits:
- Buckland Abbey L.L.C. (Doug Hocking western author)
- Calico Cowgirl (western nail strips and accessories)
- Covenant Creek Farm LLC (goat milk soap and lotions)
- Friends of the Old Pueblo Hall Crafters (recycled welded horseshoe art)
- Mescal Movie Set (displays of historical movies filmed at the Mescal Movie Set)
- Pens by Jeffrey
- Permanent Jewelry Club
- Sparkles and Sweets by Julia Flannery Crafts (homemade peanut brittle and outdoor beaded chandeliers)
- Tombstone Vigilantes
- Weed Patch Lariat and Horseshoe Art
