The Braun Family. From the left, Jaymie Braun, Christy Braun, Bert Braun, and Carol Braun.
It was January, 1995 when cowboy poetry came to Loomis. Bert and Carol Braun were returning from Elko, Nevada, where they had just spent four days attending cowboy poetry performances…
It was decided on the way home that the nostalgic venue was worth bringing home.They went right to work, and by November that year, they held the first annual Cowpoke Fall Gathering. This first year, the event was held in the Red Brick Art Center, with a seating capacity of 75, and both the Friday night and Saturday night shows were sold out. The poets were all locals who had been writing and reciting for years.
The event was so successful that new venues needed to be added in the following years. By the third year we were using three locations and entertaining 500 fans.
Meanwhile a group of residents and business leaders formed the South Placer Heritage Foundation and began restoring a local fruit shed in downtown Loomis. When it was ready for occupancy in 2004, with a seating capacity of 400, we were able to have three shows, all sold out, and we had found a new home for the Cowpoke Fall Gathering.
Today, the Blue Goose Event Center is a state-of-the-art event center that is used by many organizations and is a jewel in our community.
In 2010, a non-profit 501(c)(3) was formed, and the Cowpoke Foundation was established. We have donated funds since the very beginning to various charities. The South Placer Heritage Foundation has been one of our beneficiaries since 1998, and we are proud to have been a part of the Blue Goose renovation project.
As the event has grown, so has the number of volunteers. We have been fortunate from the beginning for the caliber of volunteers that have helped make this event the success it is today.
The Cowpoke Foundation Mission
The mission of the Cowpoke Foundation is to preserve and promote the American cowboy heritage. Our premier event is the Cowpoke Fall Gathering where cowboy poetry, music and storytelling reinforce the “cowboy way” at the heart of Western traditions.
Each year we offer a $1000 college scholarship to local high school students to ensure that this heritage continues by exposing young people to these oral folk art forms.
We are a 501(c)(3), and 100% of the proceeds from the Cowpoke Fall Gathering will go to local and regional charities.
The Folks that make the Annual Fall Gathering Happen
-
Bert Braun
PRODUCER
-
Carol Braun
PRODUCER
-
Christy Braun
COMMUNICATIONS
-
Jaymie Braun
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
-
Bridget Johnson
EVENT DECOR
-
Mike Simpkins
OPERATIONS
-
Dave Bugenig
BAR
-
Vic & Lisa Markey
FACILITIES
-
Deborah Studebaker
SILENT AUCTION
Charitable Giving
Preserving Heritage, Supporting Community
At the heart of the Cowpoke Fall Gathering is a deep commitment to giving back. More than just a celebration of cowboy culture, the event serves as a fundraiser dedicated to supporting local historical and charitable foundations. Through the generosity of our attendees, sponsors, and donors, we contribute to organizations that preserve Western heritage, provide educational opportunities, and support those in need within our community.
The Cowpoke Foundation also funds a $1,000 college scholarship awarded annually to local high school juniors and seniors with interests in agriculture, art, drama, English, or vocational training. This scholarship helps young individuals pursue their passions and continue the legacy of storytelling, craftsmanship, and community connection that define the cowboy way of life.
Every ticket purchased, donation made, and sponsor who steps up plays a role in preserving this heritage and making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in honoring the cowboy way—where giving is as much a tradition as the stories we tell.
