I did my first field assignment on the 45th San Dimas's Western Days event. The event occurred on Oct. 6 & 7. The San Dimas Chamber of Commerce hosted the event. It started on Saturday at 10 a.m. with the parade. A number of schools, businesses, dignitaries, public safety officers,historic and custom cars, non-profit organizations and clubs participated in the 30 minute parade down San Dimas Avenue. The event had a number of attractions for the entire family to enjoy. The event included vendors, live music entertainment, cowboy re-enactments, contest, awards, petting zoo, rodeo and crafts. The Rodeo started at 1 p.m. and attendees were offered a free shuttle to the rodeo grounds. The rodeo was $17 a ticket, therefore I didn't end up attending the rodeo due to the price of the ticket. I did however attend both days of Western Days. I wandered around looking and taking notes of all what attractions were provided for the adults and kids. Many attendees had a relative performing in the parade. I also interviewed a few people about the vendors, and the parade. The parade seemed to be the main attraction. There were 101 vendors and 21 non-profit companies who attended. The number of vendors gave the attendees plenty to look at and buy from. On sunday I watched the Little Miss San Dimas contest. Ten girls ages 6-9 competed. Kyra, 9, won the pageant. The festival included a live re-enactment group. The Law Dogs ‘N Ladies re-enacted the movie Tombstone. Their goal of this activity was not only to entertain but also to educate the public about cowboys. The Law Dogs ‘N Ladies performed throughout each day of the event. The actors used microphones and stage props to set up each scene of the movie and even used blanks in guns to replicate the noise of gunshots. The group seemed to attract a large audience every time they performed a scene from the movie. The Chamber of Commerce plan out this festival every year and it takes two employees 640 hours of planning time. The goal is to promote good will from and for the community. The Chamber of Commerce hopes to keep the history of San Dimas alive with this event. Covering this event gave me an opportunity to learn about my community. I live in San Dimas but I didn't know the history of the town until researched and attended this event. I think it's a great thing to provide for your residents every year.
