Carlsbad's Native American history was celebrated at this weekends Wild Wild West Fest. Native American dances and other themed activities celebrated this rich part of the cities culture throughout the festival all weekend.
The City of Carlsbad celebrated its Native American culture with
vibrant dance demonstrations and other themed activities during
Saturday's annual Wild West Fest at the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic
Park. See photos from the event.
While often thought of for its beautiful coastline, the City of
Carlsbad also has a rich western history, said Rachael Shay, supervisor
for Parks & Recreation Special Events.
"We are beach folk, and most people don't know we have this history," Shay said.
To help illustrate it, Shay said members of San Luis Rey Band of
Luiseño Indians performed many of the event's demonstrations, including
the shawl dance and the drum circle, as well as provided information to
attendees on the tribe's local history and culture.
Shay also said the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, located at 6200 Flying L.C. Lane, is the perfect location for the event since is represents the rich history being celebrated.
Once a working ranchero, the historic park was owned by actor, philanthropist, poet, preservationist, and rancher Leo Carrillo.
Established in 1937, the Leo Carrillo Ranch is a designated
Historic National Landmark that was opened to the public in August 2003.
It is connected to the citywide trails system via the 4-mile long
Rancho Carrillo trail.
Secluded in a landscaped 27-acre canyon, the Leo Carrillo Ranch
contains and protects hand-crafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a
reflecting pool and many other historic structures.
"To have the Wild West Fest here is exciting for our residents," Shay said.
At the Wild West Fest, children had the chance to make themed
crafts, including dream weavers and rain sticks, while families could
take part in the salsa tasting contest or watch an archery
demonstration.
Designed to be fun for the family, Shay said the event is one way the City of Carlsbad gives back to the community.
"These events enhance our sense of community, which is one of the things that really makes Carlsbad special," she said.
Carlsbad resident Andrea Torphy said her four-year-old daughter
Grace, who wore a white cowboy hat she designed at last year's event,
has been excited for the Wild West Fest.
"We had so much fun that she's been looking forward to it all year," she said.
Shelly Potwardowski of Carlsbad said her family also enjoyed the Wild West Fest.
Although they liked watching the demonstrations, Potwardowski said
the pony rides were the biggest hit, especially for her young daughter,
Kate.
"My 5-year-old loves her horses," she said, adding that "she's over the moon."
Kevin Granse, recreation area manager, who oversees the historic
park, said the Wild West Fest is a unique way to educate people about
the City of Carlsbad's rich western history, which residents may not
realize.
"We're able to touch on all that diverse cultural history that people don't relate with Carlsbad," he said.
Granse said the Leo Carrillo Ranch is free and open to the public
daily except on Mondays. In addition, the park offers 90-minute guided
tours on the weekends.
While many people come to learn about history, Granse said the park
has another crowd pleaser – wild peacocks that freely roam the grounds.
Although beautiful just to observe, Granse pointed out that even the peacocks have a history.
"The birds that are here now are direct descendents of the ones Leo Carrillo had," he said.
However, Granse believes it is more than beautiful birds and events that attract people to the historic park.
"It's the natural beauty of this place," he said.
