A wonderful time was had by all at the Fair.  There was a real “fair atmosphere” at Hagemann Ranch on May 16^th.  Despite the air temperature being above 100 degrees there was a large crowd all day.  Folks found it hard to decide what to watch because there were exciting acts going on in the arena and on the stage. Richard Fitzmaurice was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced Connie Post, Livermore's Poet Laureate, who presented three works for all to enjoy.  Four local musical groups delighted the crowd and had everyone tapping and clapping.  The Singing Blue Stars dressed in WWII Waves uniforms saluted the veteran in Hoofprints’ Horses for Heroes program with period songs. Robert James and Company kept the show going playing violin with energetic accompaniment.  BootHill brought the crowd to their feet with their unique brand of Country Western music and thrilling lead singer.  What an exciting mixture of musical groups! Eddie Saubolle and his Country Western group gave tribute to Chocktaw and Lucky, the horses killed in October. The final performers were the Cactus Corners 4-H square dancing group who took members of the audience as partners. What a blast!

 

At the other end of the ranch in the arena demonstrations of therapeutic riding showed the audience the kind of lessons that happen every day at Hoofprints on the Heart.  The California Pinto Rangers gave us a drill team demonstration with their black and white pinto horses and silver saddles.  Angela Ridgeway brought her magnificent white stallion, Legacy, to delight the crowd and narrated their elegant dressage moves.

 

About 30 craft and informational vendors lined the walkways of the ranch. Food, jewelry, wood carvings, honey, photography, original CDs by local cowboy, Thom Reinstein and many other items were all available for purchase.  The Livermore Heritage Guild provided history lessons and tours about the historic ranch Hoofprints calls home.

 

A large balloon raffle gave folks a chance to win varied and valuable prizes. Most went home smiling with their winnings.  Hoofprints is most grateful to all the businesses and individuals who donated the gifts and services for the raffle.  The assortment and quality of the prizes was really amazing.

 

The children’s area kept the younger generation busy with lots of activities. Roy the Magician and his wife who does face painting proved to be a very popular destination.  The antique fire truck was a draw for the curious who could climb and investigate it.   The Rainbow Girls monitored craft activities under the tent and motorcycles of the Ride For The Kidz group had several bikes and trikes available for viewing and picture taking.  The Livermore Rodeo queens made a brief photo appearance in the afternoon to have their pictures taken with lucky little ones.  The Lil’ Partners Rodeo provided equipment to let our youngins try their skills at roping and riding.

 

This was the kickoff event of a large capital campaign to build a covered arena at Hagemann Ranch. We are happy to report that we netted over $8,000 at the Fair. Our thanks go out to the more than 100 volunteers who made it all possible.  Several community organizations provided volunteers who willingly worked in the heat alongside regular Hoofprints volunteers, staff, and board members.