Rawhide Days draws thousands

More than 3,000 people took part in the western heritage activities during the third annual Tucumcari Rawhide Days Festival in Tucumcari.

"The parade was shorter than those held in the past but it still was one of the unique events," said Karen Alarcon, event coordinator, founder.

The festival, held Friday through Sunday, held the main events on Saturday at the Tucumcari Convention Center and Quay County Fairgrounds.

"Overall the event was a success," Alarcon said. "There are so many people I would like to thank. The list is endless of the people who work so hard to make this event possible."

People enjoyed numerous attractions including vendors, live music, Native American Dances performed by dancers from the Steven Toya Sr., Southern Slam Family Group Zia Pueblo, gunfights by the Liberators and Most Versatile Blacksmith Competition.

This year saw the addition of the Rawhide Ranch Rodeo that featured 20 three-man teams competing in events including knot tying, trailer loading and doctoring, events that tested the contestants skill with a rope and livestock.

Returning to the event for a third year were Shirley and Mark Brinegar, the widow and son of the late Paul Brinegar who portrayed "Wishbone" on the TV series Rawhide.

"This is an event that my family looks forward to every year," Mark said.

The event featured a talent contest, that was won by local singer Whitney Macial. Local youths Mayri Benavidez and Simon Aragon won the Lil Miss Rawhide and Lil Wrangler competition. Sissy Young was the first ever Miss Pioneer.

"The jamboree did very well, there were a lot of great performers something that would be great to continue next year," Alarcon said.

Opening for Saturday's main concert was singer Adrian "Buckaroogirl" Brannan.

"This has been an amazing event. I feel like I am home," Brannan said.

Brannan said the hospitality she has experienced while in Tucumcari has her wanting to return for next year's event.

"The people here have been so amazing, they welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was part of the family," Brannan said.

Brannan said as she performs one of the main things that sticks out in her mind are the people. She said you can perform in some beautiful locations, but it's the people who make the event special.

"I have been invited to come out earlier next year to ride with people and even help brand," Brannan said.

Headlining the concert was country music artist Johnny Lee and the Urban Cowboy Band.

"I want to thank Tucumcari for having us out to perform for the Tucumcari Rawhide Days," Lee said.

Alarcon said the success of the event has already prompted organizers to begin planning for next year's festival.