The Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation celebrated its fourth annual Founders Day at the Museum Saturday, Sept. 12, welcoming visitors from near and far for a day filled with old-fashioned fun, local history and community spirit.
The event featured a wide variety of artisans, crafters and vendors, along with games, contests, food and beverages, antique cars and mule-drawn wagon rides. Guests enjoyed the festivities beneath the cool shade of the ranch’s massive trees while exploring the museum grounds.
Throughout the day, visitors tested their skills in a variety of down-home contests, with ribbons awarded to the winners. Sack races and pie-eating contests were among the activities that added a playful touch to the celebration.
Music filled the historic barn as bluegrass musicians performed traditional songs. Michael Lewis offered guests rides aboard his mule-drawn wagon, providing a leisurely way to take in the ranch grounds.
With its combination of history, music, games, crafts and good old-fashioned entertainment, the Hamilton Museum Founders Day offered something for visitors of all ages.
The annual celebration is a fundraiser for the maintenance of the historic Contreras homestead, house and barn where local historical artifacts are kept.
The Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation is located at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. It is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.. The board of directors meets every second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.. The museum is actively seeking volunteers to be docents or greeters.
For more information about the Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation, please visit www.hamiltonmuseum.com or email hmrf.Anza@gmail.com.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
