Stagecoach Sunday rumbles into town Oct. 7

FALLBROOK – Stagecoach Sunday, the Fallbrook Land Conservancy’s (FLC) popular annual fundraiser, will celebrate its 22nd year on Oct. 7 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on the grounds of the historic Palomares House, 1815 S. Stage Coach Lane.

Highlights of the event will be authentic stagecoach rides, live music provided by the Stonehouse Band, and a barbeque dinner catered by Major Market.

Outstanding and unique opportunities will be found in the event’s silent auction and raffle, which features one-of-a-kind handicrafts, jewelry, and artwork in addition to several golf and fitness packages, tickets to world-renowned San Diego attractions, coupons from local businesses and restaurants, and a variety of other items.

“There is something for everyone,” said Linda Promack, auction chair. One new auction item this year is a “Scenic Flight of Fallbrook,” where the highest bidder will enjoy the beauty of North County from the air during a 45-minute plane ride departing from Fallbrook Airpark. Appealing to nature-lovers will be a docent tour of the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve for up to 10 friends and family members. There is also an afternoon sailboat tour of San Diego Bay with lunch included.

Sponsored by the County of San Diego, at the recommendation of Supervisor Bill Horn, the fundraiser supports the FLC’s various public education and land stewardship programs, including the planting of native species, and the maintenance of several hiking trails and nature preserves in North County.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Gary Beeler, chair of the event. “It’s also a fun time for people of all ages, where they can enjoy a great afternoon while supporting our efforts to preserve and maintain our community’s wide-open spaces.”

A barbeque dinner, with tri-tip sandwiches, chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, rolls, and brownies will be served beginning at 2 p.m. for a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event or online by visiting http://www.fallbrooklandconservancy.org.

There are also several activities free to the public. These include rides on a horse-drawn stagecoach provided by G & F Carriages and raptor demonstrations by local falconer Dave Morgan. Steve Bledsoe of the North American Herpetological Association will also have on display various snakes native to the area and Fallbrook 4-H will be on hand with several small barn animals.

Children can kick-off the fall season with fun activities including game booths, bobbing for apples, face painting, pumpkin decorating and a “Guess the Pumpkin’s Weight” contest. A costume parade will be held at 3 p.m. for children ranging in age from infant to 12 years. Prizes will be awarded.

The Fallbrook Land Conservancy is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt organization that owns 2,025 acres of permanently protected open space, including the popular Los Jilgueros and Monserate Mountain preserves. In addition, it manages another 77 acres and holds conservation easements on 663 acres.

For more information, call (760) 728-0889, email

[email protected], or visit http://www.fallbrooklandconservancy.org.