On the weekend of November 5-6, the 21st annual Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival enjoyed some great Las Cienegas weather and a good turnout. Exhibits and demonstrations peppered the grounds, and buildings were mostly open for exploration, so visitors happily wandered in all directions. Centers of activity included the music stage with bale seating, a tent for “Cowboy Conversations,” and another for a silent auction to benefit the event’s host, the Empire Ranch Foundation.
From bleachers at the main corral, visitors could watch a full schedule of animal demonstrations, including horsemanship, roping, management of a smart cow dog, and a mounted cavalry group. In the corral at the ranch, classic western skills being demonstrated included blacksmithing, branding, saddlemaking and silversmithing. Horse-drawn wagon tours and horseback trail rides were available.
Food and beverages came from five food trucks and could be enjoyed in a large open ramada. About 20 vendors showcased a diversity of offerings and crafts, and another 20 or so educational groups and non-profits were exhibiting, including Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture, Old Pueblo Archaeology, Patagonia Area Resource Alliance, and Save the Scenic Santa Ritas. For views upward, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association had scopes for safe sun viewing, and birdwatchers could be seen enjoying the frequent soaring raptors which abound at the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.