Western Weekend kicks off summer in Point Reyes Station with a parade and a host of events that pay homage to the area’s agricultural heritage. But this year, as most historic ranches shut down in the Point Reyes National Seashore, the event will be bittersweet for many.
Organizers are working to strike a tone of appreciation and respect without turning what many view as a solemn juncture into a light-hearted party. They are seeking a joyful celebration that is sensitive to the moment.
This year’s event will also bring some changes unrelated to ranching in the park. The weekend’s primary sponsor, the West Marin Lions Club, is seeking broader input in the planning process, taking nominations for Grand Marshal and Junior Grand Marshal—honorary positions traditionally appointed by a small group of Lions Club members.
And for the first time since Western Weekend began in 1948, the 4-H fair will not be part of the celebration.
The departure of the 4-H and Future Farmers of America contests is due in part to conflicts with school schedules, which have been extended in recent years. This year’s event will take place on June 6 and 7, just before final exams. The timing caused stress for students involved in last year’s fair, so organizers are seeking a new date.
Complicating matters, West Marin’s 4-H clubs were consolidated into a countywide chapter in 2023, a move prompted by shrinking participation in local groups. Collectively, the new organization is larger than the old Point Reyes-Olema chapter, and its annual fair has outgrown Toby’s Feed Barn. Organizers are hoping to announce new details soon.
Meanwhile, the Western Weekend planning committee is working to fashion a theme that celebrates sustainable farming and West Marin’s thriving food culture.
Late last month, some committee members began circulating a petition to nominate the 11 ranch families departing Point Reyes as a collective grand marshal, but they withdrew the effort after learning that some of the would-be honorees weren’t in a celebratory mood.
Some of the families marched in last year’s parade, receiving applause from the many attendees who hoped they would continue ranching for several generations more. But they are still smarting from the settlement of a lawsuit resulting in the closure of all but two ranches in the park.
“There’s a sadness, overall, a kind of gloom about it,” said Eileen Connery, a member of the Western Weekend organizing committee. “We still want to thank them for their history, and for being such a great source of local food.”
Rhonda Kutter, another committee member, emphasized the importance of building community participation—in part through nominations.
“We don’t know everyone, and we don’t know everything that’s going on in our community,” she said. “Given that the Lions Club is small but mighty, it seemed like a good idea to open it up and get other people’s ideas and nominations.”
To become a Western Weekend sponsor or volunteer, or to submit a nomination for Grand Marshal or Junior Grand Marshal by March 15, go to westernweekend.org or send an email to [email protected].