The official parades associated with Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Day’s Fiesta were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a group of people in the local backcountry were not deterred.

On Saturday afternoon, a mini-fiesta parade was held at the Rancho Oso Horse Ranch and Campground on Paradise Road in the Upper Santa Ynez River area.

Campers and residents were drawn out of their RVs, covered wagons and Western-style cabins by the procession, which included more than 25 horses, riders and employees, all of whom were socially distanced.

Women in brightly colored dresses and men in stately sombreros tossed treats to kids and showed off the fancy footwork of regal and well-trained horses. 

Horse borders, wranglers, and horse enthusiasts from area riding clubs joined in the fun to delight children and their parents as they zig-zagged through the RV and tent camping areas.

The event was organized by Rancho Oso Guest Ranch business administrator Laurie Clavecilla, and stable supervisor Liz Garcia.

“We are trying to do one parade a month to bring excitement here in a time it’s difficult to have activities,” said Joel Hannel, Rancho Oso’s manager. “It’s a great way to bring people together without them being too close together. We’ll have another one Labor Day weekend.”

Because of Covid-19, Rancho Oso has ceased day-use activity, but boarders, campers and riders can participate and be there to enjoy the facility until they open back up to the public.

Amy Beth Katz is a local freelance writer and photographer.

Socially distanced riders participate in a mini-fiesta parade Saturday at Rancho Oso in the Santa Ynez Valley. (Amy Beth Katz photo)