Posted by Alaska Barb on January 8, 2007, 5:45 pm
200.64.150.150
It is getting to be the time of year when questions are being asked about the rodeo. The final decision has been made, the rodeo will begin on Feb 3, Gringo Day, and go thru Feb 6, giving us four days of music and bulls. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Gringo Day. Many of us old-timers can hardly believe that so many years have slipped by. If you are new to town and are curious about the beginnings of this tradition, here is a condensed history for you. In 1982 our town was not doing well financially, and had decided that there would be no money to put on the rodeo. At that time there were only three land-owning gringos in town, David Godin, Steven Rutherford, and Joe (Alaska). The three of them decided to join forces and put on one day of party for the town. They cooked ducks from the lagoon and chickens. It was a meger fare, but by working together and pooling resources, they were able to make a one day rodeo for LaManz. This original group of friends were very grateful for the warm reception that had been offered to them by the fathers of LaManz. By hosting this day, they felt they were saluting our Mexican friends in a way that was very special. From that year until now, they have continued this idea of giving back to the town in the form of a one day party. Of course, the group of land-owning gringos has grown by scores, especially over the past five years; and the cost of the Gringo Day increases by the year. Last year we served 940 plates, and gave out 130 cases of beer in two hours. David Godin has been the “man in charage” of organizing this party for a number of years. It is a tough job and generally thankless. He is the guy who pays the bills at the end, and is the one who has to make up the difference if our ticket sales fall short of the needed pesos for the day. He keeps very complete records each year to anticipate the money needed for the following year. David has computed that the price for a ticket for the day will need to be $180 pesos this year to cover the anticipated costs. Of course, as most of you know this covers the daytime activities, but not the dance at night. So, when you encounter the ticket sellers, please be generous and appreciate the fact that this is a donation for the town where you have chosen to live. If you have questions, suggestions, or want to volunteer your time, please call David Godin at 351-5163
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