Also popular were Spirit of the West Riders including Marshal Phil Spangenberger from Palmdale and Lori Brown from Fallbrook. Representing the Southern California Firefighters’ Assn. was George Liblin, driving a 1902 “American” horse-drawn steam fire engine. Perched on top a Wells Fargo coach was Steve Shaw from the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum.
The Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society from San Diego included Dyan Paquette, Leanna Chessmore, Deana Sommerville, Linda Mae Chastain and Barbara Franzese. The USC mascot, Traveler, also made an appearance along with his rider, Hector Aguilar, decked out in a Ben Hur costume. Traveler was put through his paces under the grandstand to the musical number “Conquest.”
Hundreds of local horse-lovers packed the grandstand and booths offering everything from Crystal Glass nail files to fresh squeezed fruit juices.
