Rancheros Visitadores
Spring Ride Cancelled Over COVID-19
Due to concerns over COVID-19, the Rancheros Visitadores cancelled the 90th annual ride, scheduled for Saturday May 2 at 3:00 pm. Each year, this event gathers over 750 Rancheros Visitadores from 37 states and 6 countries to parade in pink on horseback and carriages along Alisal Road through downtown Solvang to Old Mission Santa Inés. In order to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in this endeavor, the Rancheros Visitadores leadership made the difficult decision to cancel the ride. The event raises funds for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara in support of local breast cancer programs at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. "As president of Rancheros Visitadores, I am very proud that we are still able to assist this great cause. My thanks to Steve Beneto and all the members who make this happen. We look forward to seeing you next year at the traditional mission ceremony," remarked Robert Feist, Incoming President of Rancheros Visitadores.
The Rancheros Visitadores members and Wrangler Jeans have raised $188,000 so far this year to support critical breast cancer programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, and support over the past 9 years has totaled over $1.258M. The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara greatly appreciates the incredible generosity that these rides have produced. “The funds raised by the Rancheros Visitadores members and its partners support important programs utilized by many breast cancer patients right here in our community,” said Lori Willis, Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara Executive Director.
The Rancheros Visitadores member's partner with Wrangler Jeans and the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Foundation to support a wide array of breast cancer programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, including: clinical research trials, wellness classes and support programs, hereditary cancer risk counseling and patient navigation. These services are available to all breast cancer patients who reside in Santa Barbara County regardless of where they receive treatment or their ability to pay. Ridley-Tree Cancer Center’s new Santa Barbara facility which opened in 2017, alongside its Solvang location (2040 Viborg Rd #140) which supports Santa Ynez Valley residents, provides all cancer patients with access to world-class physicians with impeccable training and experience who have studied, worked and taught in the finest cancer centers in the world.
While many in our community missed the 2020 parade which traditionally includes a sea of riders dressed in pink, horse-drawn wagons and carriages, "the spirit of the Rancheros Visitadores lives on through the dedication of its members who are steadfast in their commitment to this cause," said Steve Beneto, former Director of Rancheros Visitadores.