SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - They are dusting off the dusty streets and warming up the vocal chords. The friends of Rawhide Ranch are all fired up to celebrate their 50th anniversary of providing character-building camping opportunities for kids.
"We have over 65 head of horses, we have over 100 animals, goats and sheep and chickens and things like that," Tom Ewan said.
Youngsters age 7 to 15 are totally immersed in the ranch experience. Campers sleep in converted covered wagons. They are responsible for the care of ranch animals, while being educated.
"Riding, horse and animal science classes, so they are learning about horses and animals and a programming called vaulting, which is defined as acrobatics on horseback," Tom said.
On Saturday, Rawhide Ranch will hold a fundraiser to provide camping scholarships for needy children. Local "American Idol" contestant Kristi Krause will lend her powerful voice and considerable talents to the festivities. The Roy Rogers Rangers will put on a demonstration of world-class western mounted shooting.
As well as rooting and tooting and shooting, the ranch will be dedicating the Roy Rogers Arena and the Poway Valley Vaulters will be putting on an exhibition. There will be bands, barbeque and a real chance for city slickers to cowboy up.
It's time to raise a little dust, raise a little heck and raise some funds for needy kids to get an authentic taste of the wild west.
