Jim Palam moseys over to the Red River Ranch in Los Olivos, CA, and rustles up some tasty images from the CARS & COWBOYS’ BENEFIT FOR MEALS ON WHEELS.
There are over 31,000 residents in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, which includes the communities of Solvang, Buellton, Ballard, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos. It is also home to the Santa Ynez Chumash Indians’ reservation and casino.
If you’re out and about in the Valley you will inevitably encounter winemakers, farmers, equestrians, gamblers, and dusty-booted cowboys. In the 11 years that I’ve lived in the Valley, I’ve had the privilege of meeting a small but active community of local carguys who have tucked in behind their businesses, homes, and ranches, an exceptional collection of sports, classic, exotic, historic, rare and racy cars. So, I suppose it was just a matter of time before someone would connect the dots and bring together Cars & Cowboys for a major attraction that would benefit members of the community who need a helping hand.
Now you don’t throw a shindig like the Cars & Cowboys Extravaganza 2022 in The Valley without having fun as one of the goals. In addition to the show cars on display at Red River Ranch in Los Olivos, there was also numerous appetizer and tasting stations set up – along with two live bands, silent and live auctions, craft and clothing vendors, a bountiful, sit-down al fresco dinner and stagecoach rides – plus trick roping and horsemanship exhibitions. But the main goal of the event was to raise funds for the SYV Meals on Wheels program that serves seniors and veterans in the Santa Ynez Valley.
The CARS & COWBOYS’ BENEFIT FOR MEALS ON WHEELS Extravaganza drew in over 350 attendees. It wouldn’t have happened without the tireless efforts of a lot of amazing volunteers, sponsors, donors, community members, and businesses. Special thanks have to go to Al & Denise Frink who opened up their beautiful Red River Ranch for the event, C&C committee co-chairs Pam Gnekow and Kathi Heringer, Pete Thomsen who wrangled the show cars, and the support of the SYV Community Outreach Program that helps subsidize the cost for the Meals on Wheels operations.
Car Guy Chronicles is honored to bring attention to this special event. Word is already out that there will be another C&C shindig next year, so stay tuned. If you weren’t able to attend, here are some tasty event images rustled up by our contributor Jim Palam for you guys to enjoy. The original Elvis shirt was one of the unique auction items on display.
Words & Photos © Jim Palam, https://www.jimpalamphotos.com/
For more information about the organization and CARS & COWBOYS’ BENEFIT FOR MEALS ON WHEELS, please visit https://carsandcowboys.com/
To learn more about the SYV Meals On Wheels program, check out https://syvcommunityoutreach.org/meals-on-wheels