Stagecoach Sunday pulls into town Oct. 2

FALLBROOK - Authentic stagecoach rides, live music, and barbeque fare are just a few of the highlights of Stagecoach Sunday, the Fallbrook Land Conservancy's annual fundraiser which is scheduled to be held Sunday, Oct. 2 on the grounds of the historic Palomares House, 1815 South Stage Coach Lane in Fallbrook.

Now in its 21st year, the event is sponsored by the County of San Diego, at the recommendation of Supervisor Bill Horn. The fundraiser supports the Conservancy'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 Northern San Diego County.

œAs always, we hope for a big turnout, said Gary Beeler, co-chair of the event with Wicker Gamble. œThe public's support is vital in our efforts to preserve the rural character and natural beauty of our community.

The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 4:30, with the biggest draw being the popular silent auction and raffle, which features more than a dozen golf and other sports packages, tickets to world-renowned San Diego attractions, coupons from local businesses, jewelry, handicrafts, artwork and a variety of other items.

A barbeque dinner, with tri-tip sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans and brownies will be served from 2 p.m. at a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the day of the event, with several packages being offered.

There are also several activities free to the public. These include rides on a horse-drawn stagecoach (courtesy of G&F Carriages) and wildlife demonstrations by Dave Morgan, a falconer, and Steve Bledsoe of the North American Herpetological Association. Bledsoe will share several snake species native to the area.

There will also be face painting, pumpkin decorating and a costume contest for the kids, as well as fun games for all ages. In addition to music provided by the Stonehouse Band, a pair of œgunslingers is also scheduled to entertain the crowd.

The Fallbrook Land Conservancy is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt organization that owns and manages 1, 848 acres of permanently protected open space, including the landmark Margarita Peak, Los Jilgueros Preserve and seven other nature preserves.

For more information, contact the FLC at (760) 728-0889, email [email protected], or visit http://www.fallbrooklandconservancy.org.