With July 25 designated as The National Day of the Cowboy, a local group of residents and business owners instituted a Cowboy Luncheon that, according to organizers, will become a yearly event.

Lana Casey of Spur of the Moment, one of the sponsors, said over 40 cowboys attended the complimentary rib-eye steak lunch with all the fixings at the H-B Saloon.

“We honor and celebrate their contributions to our community,” Casey said. “There are ranchers, rodeo cowboys, cattle haulers, hay growers, and even ag lenders and rodeo board members here. They are all a vital part of the western heritage we honor on National Day of the Cowboy.”

Casey was quick to point out the many others who assisted in pulling off the lunch, including the Rockin Lazy L Cattle Co., Marci Hogan of the John Terry Family and, Lynn Ferreira, Lori Lutz, of the Albert Ferreira Family.

“It’s kind of neat to see a little bit of everybody,” said H-B owner Mike Bacigalupi.

Cowboys at the saloon were grateful of the acknowledgement with some recalling previous lunches years ago.

“It hasn’t been done in a while,” Casey said. “Now we’re going to make it an annual event.”

Several rodeo and ranch cowboys were talking about the role of the cowboy today, noting that many ranches in the area are now replaced with orchards.

“The cowboy and water are both going away,” said Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Leo Camarillo.