Neighbors lined the streets, some sitting in lawn chairs, others balancing their bikes, some standing, some pushing strollers or clutching young childrens' hands, all chatting excitedly about the event about to start.
Friendly police officers, with plastic steer skulls decorating the front of their motorcycles urged spectators to step back moments before the event began.
The Orange County Fair's Second Annual Cattle Drive through the streets of Costa Mesa was about to take place.
This might seem like no big deal in many places in America. However, Orange County has 3,000,000 people and Costa Mesa has over 100,000, and it has been decades since cows roaming around have been commonplace.
For the majority of those living in Costa Mesa, a cattle drive is an exciting, unusual event as evidenced by all of those who came out to watch approximately 300 cows be herded by close to 80 "cowboys" many of whom had been trained the previous day and the cattle dogs who truly kept the cattle in line.
For more information on Costa Mesa history, see the following articles:
Costa Mesa History - The Indians of Lukup
Costa Mesa History - The Spaniards
Costa Mesa History - Mexican Independence
Costa Mesa History - California 49ers and the Gold Rush and a Modern Day Cattle Drive
Costa Mesa History - Fairview Fails to Flourish
Costa Mesa History - Paularino Plugs Along
Costa Mesa History - Harper Helps Itself with H2O
The cattle were followed by several wagons and even a stage coach all crowded with people enjoying being part of the event.
Though the spectacle only lasted a few minutes, it leaves memories in the minds of those who witnessed it. Many had come back after seeing last year's First Annual Cattle Drive and enjoyed being part of the second one.
Like so many of the children watching the cattle drive, my four year old was excited by the cows and looked forward to it all week, reminding me everyday that we were going to go see the cows and the cowboys and that he wanted to be a cowboy, just like Grandpa.
The 2008 Orange County Fair runs until August 3rd. Make sure you get out and enjoy the fun - the rides, the animals, the food and all of the exhibits.
Hopefully, we'll all get to see the Third Annual Orange County Cattle Drive next year!
If you have any questions about Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Real Estate or your Costa Mesa Home Value, please contact me at 714-319-9751
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About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.
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My first question is " Did anyone get gored in the but by a Bull? :)
Brett - Not quite as exciting as Pamplona, "but" much more kid friendly : )
Christine, what a riot. Was that you talking in the video? Love the question by David, why are there dogs, answer: because there are, grin. BTW, did you ever figure out if they were girl or boy cows?
Great job, enjoyed the parade... to much fun
Duane
Looks like a really fun event. And so much safer! I'm sure that everyone had a great time.
Duane - That was me talking on the video. Sometimes, when you have a four year old, the best answer is simply because. Girl cows - I think - right? Perhaps I should check with Cowboy Grandpa?
Glad you enjoyed it. We sure did.
Jim & Maria - It was a lot of fun. Definitely safer than Pamplona : )
Christine, LOL, I know what you mean, with the grand kids they still buy those answers...
Duane - I'm lucky enough that they still do though I don't know for how much longer.
Christine, they don't buy those answers after around 6 years old, then they want clarification. Enjoy it while you can...
Duane - Will do, though there are days when an answer only brings another question and then another and then another.
Christine, LOL, and they will become more common as he gets older, all in the learning stages they go through.
Too funny - another example of something I had no idea happened in our fair county, and I'm no newcomer. Thanks for the info Christine...
Duane - The changes over the years have been incredible, and I know we're just getting started.
Carey - I think a lot of people who live in Costa Mesa were surprised by it - some when they couldn't get home because of closed streets - that's why I'm trying to use my blog to help update about local activities.
You live in such an interesting area - I love reading the events and looking at the photos.