‘Best of the West’ antique equipment show coming to Santa Margarita
–The “Best of the West Antique Equipment show” is coming to the historic Santa Margarita Ranch on Fri. May 26 through Sun. May 28. It is a rare opportunity to experience so many historical pieces of equipment and machinery assembled together, that guests can touch, sit on, and in many cases, ride. The event is in a beautiful, accessible place, for a low price of admission. In addition, and more importantly, this is a Memorial Day Celebration to pay tribute to the brave men and women in our military, past, and present.
Tickets are $25 for the entire weekend, or $10 daily, children 10 and under free and can be purchased in advance online or at the gate. Train ride tickets available for purchase on-site.
The event runs Friday, May 26, Saturday, May 27 and Sunday May 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with daily earth moving demos at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tractor parade at 10:30 a.m., Military Salute at 12 p.m., Military parade and trail ride 1 p.m., plowing demo at 3 p.m. and earth moving parade at 3:30 p.m.
As much a rousing patriotic Memorial Day celebration as it is a fascinating vintage equipment and history expo, “kids” of all ages will find daily tractor parades, a classic car display, airplane fly-overs, B-25 airplane rides, a military vehicle exhibit, steam engine train rides -complete with elegant passenger cars from Disneyland, giant earthmoving equipment demonstrations, and pioneer-era wagons and horses.
There’s a “Kids Corral” with gold panning, climbing bales, and tractor sand pit area. Indeed, all types of vintage vehicles and equipment will be all set and ready to be climbed in, ridden on and enjoyed. New this year will be a peddler’s faire with antiques, old stuff and lots of fun vendors, some with a western flair.
Attendees won’t go hungry or thirsty either. The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau will be serving tri-tip- sandwiches, Santa Margarita 4H is serving hamburgers, Shav-n-Flav will be serving up tacos and pizza, Heavenly hot dogs with be there, alongside Negranti ice-cream, Mike’s Shaved Ice and kettle corn, Frank’s Roasted Corn, Firestone-Walker brews and Ancient Peaks Wine.
The historic Santa Margarita Ranch is located in Santa Margarita, Calif., just off Hwy 101. Dating back to 1774, this remarkable ranch with rolling fields bursting with wildflowers and aged oak trees includes many mission period, rancho-style buildings. The largest building is the grand Asistencia Barn, in the heart of the ranch; which holds frequent weddings and special events.
