42nd Annual Vaquero Dinner and Auction

42nd Annual Vaquero Benefit Dinner & Auction
Saturday, November 7, 2026 – 5:00pm to 9:00pm Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Parks-Janeway Carriage House
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the enduring spirit of the California Vaquero while supporting the preservation of the Santa Ynez Valley’s rich history and cultural heritage.
For more than four decades, the Vaquero Benefit Dinner & Auction has brought together ranching families, community leaders, local businesses, and friends to celebrate the traditions that define our Valley and to raise vital funds for the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum.
As the Museum’s premier annual fundraising event, the Vaquero Benefit Dinner supports educational programs, historic preservation, exhibitions, collections, and community outreach that inspire future generations to appreciate the unique history of California’s Central Coast.
Honoring Our 2026 Vaqueros
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum is proud to recognize two individuals whose lives exemplify the traditions, stewardship, and community spirit of the American West:
Denis Carroll is a prominent Chicago businessman and the former owner of HatCo, the parent company behind iconic western brands Stetson and Resistol. As the founder of the Pro Equine Group, he quietly built an empire that includes Cactus Ropes and Cactus Saddlery, fundamentally shaping the modern equine and rodeo industries. Highly regarded for his humility and philanthropy, Carroll’s corporate backing and strategic investments have transformed the earning potential and legacy of professional cowboys worldwide.
Don Hanson-From Colorado’s mountain ranges and Hawaii’s historic cattle country to the ranches of California and Wyoming, Don Hanson has made a lasting contribution to the Western cattle industry. His more than seven decades of ranching experience represent a lifetime of leadership, innovation, and devotion to the people, livestock, and landscapes of the American West.
Their lifelong dedication to preserving the ranching heritage and values of the Santa Ynez Valley embodies the very spirit of the Vaquero.
Whether you attend as a guest, become a sponsor, donate an auction item, or support our mission in another way, your participation helps ensure that the stories, traditions, and heritage of the Santa Ynez Valley continue to inspire future generations.
Mark your calendar now—and watch for sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, and event details coming soon!
Together, let’s celebrate our heritage while investing in our future.
For information on sponsoring the event or purchasing tickets, feel free to contact Donna Reeves, Development & Grant Specialist, at development@santaynezmuseum.org or call 805-895-1259.