Honorary Vaquero
Josiah Jenkins
Let’s welcome our 100th year and 2024 Honorary Vaquero Josiah Jenkins.
Josiah is a 5th generation Californian, born and raised in Santa Barbara to parents Josiah “Si” and Karen Jenkins. He has a sister, Dorothy Thomas. He is married to Kathy with 4 sons and a grandson. Josiah’s parents, Si and Karen were Honorary Vaqueros in 2008.
Josiah began volunteering for Fiesta Rodeo in 1976 alongside one of our past Honorary Vaqueros, Ralph Lausten and under the leadership of Harlan Brown and Max Watkins. Clarence Minetti was the Arena Director and in charge of the back gate, a year later in 1977 he taught Josiah how to handle the gate during the paid performances. At that time all the rough stock, ropers, special acts and others that needed access to the arena went in and out of this gate, it was quite a job. Other responsibilities were setting up pens with Gerald Donati and working “ Guacamole Alley” on Saturday mornings.
He continued his arena responsibilities until 1990 when Jim Pollard and Jerry Williams retired Josiah was recruited to handle the entries and treasurer duties as well as entries for the rodeo. Harriet Landrum handled the horse show office duties.
Josiah guided many chairpersons and rodeo crews over the years, sharing his knowledge and expertise. He was rodeo chair for multiple years and is currently the rodeo general manager.
Josiah has attended the Old Spanish Days meetings since 1991 and became a board member in 1994. He has held many positions and was the 2013 El Presidente. He also runs the family business, Jedlicka’s Western Wear. He has been a member of the Santa Barbara Trail Riders since 1991 and Ranchero Visitadores Maverick in 1991. He has held many positions in both groups. Other riding groups he is involved in are Los Rancheros Pobres and Los Caballeros from Catalina Island.
He is president of the Peachtree homeowners association since 2009 and in his spare time can be found there handling general ranch type chores that maintain the neighborhood. He is also interested in railroads and is a lifetime member of the Feather River Railroad Museum and a member of both the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific Historical Societies.
The Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo would like to thank Josiah for his many years of support and assistance. His valued knowledge has been appreciated all these many years and has helped to make each year and event successful.
Congratulations to our 100th year and 2024 Honorary Vaquero, Josiah Jenkins!
