Temecula is rising, and the Horsewomen of Temecula Wine Country want the world to know why. On Wednesday, October 23, the equestrian group that will represent the Temecula Valley at the 2020 Pasadena Rose Parade, is showcasing the valley’s unique qualities and organizations at “Temecula Rising.” Held at Wilson Creek Winery from 6 to 10 p.m., this is a fundraising event with distinction, as the ladies will raise the funds needed to transport, board, groom horses, decorate and participate in the Rose Parade and Tournament of Roses Equestfest.
“We want the world to discover why the magazine ‘Wine Enthusiast” named our area one of the top 10 wine destinations in the world,” stated Juanita Koth, co-organizer and team captain of the Horsewomen of Temecula Wine Country. “We would also love to see Temecula line Colorado Boulevard to show how strong our community pride shines.”
In September, after eight months of practice and documenting the groups’ performances just to apply for the granddaddy of parades, the 30-person equestrian group was accepted as one of only 17 equestrian units for the 2020 event.
Temecula Rising will help them defray the costs of participating in the parade estimated at $70,000. The event is designed as a celebration of the valley’s lifestyle and assets, and features a gourmet surf and turf dinner, wine tasting, local celebrities, songwriters from “Songland” – an NBC reality competition show that has been optioned for its second season, members for the Temecula Football Club, local Freestyle Motocross champions, tethered balloon rides from A Grape Escape, Temecula Valley breweries, red carpet photo opportunities, and an auction.
Representing the Rose Parade’s theme “The Power of Hope” and celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution, the Horsewomen of Temecula Wine Country are determined women of all ages, careers and backgrounds, who have helped to raise the valley to its rural lifestyle and tourism notoriety.
Led by Koth and Beth Good, the team will include the award-winning Temecula Cowgirl Color Guard, along with Temecula Carriage Company’s horse-drawn wagon carrying prominent local women. This includes including three-time Mayor and Council Member, Maryann Edwards, 2016 inductee to the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame member Pat North Ommert, co-organizer Beth Good and coach of the Temecula Cowgirl Color Guard (flagbearers of the equestrian unit), Drill Team Captain Bryn Ameye, professional western entertainer, singer/songwriter Judy Taylor, Wilson Creek Winery owners Rosie Wilson and Libby Wilson Johns, Region Fire Chief Nancy Koerperich, Region Police Chief Lisa McConnnell, Police Chief, CHP Commander Karyn Mentink, American Sign Language Interpreter Jessica Conners, Terri Conners, Chelsea Keane, Sheila Yanez, Tina Frey, Silver Stapleton, Stacy Kraus, Cindy Lyon, Jamie Koth, wagon driver Marika Matson and Luna the wagon dog.
Temecula Rising tickets can be purchased at: https://www.temecularising.com. Donations to the organization https://www.gofundme.com/f/temecula039s-journey-to-the-rose-parade-2020