It is difficult to say when Chama Days began; “As long as I can remember” is the most common response.
Even Ed Vigil, the Village of Chama’s first mayor, can’t say for sure. While growing up in Ensenada, he remembers his first Chama Days in 1936 or 1937. Elected in 1961, he used to help organize the event. Now 87, he said he rarely misses it.
“We have enjoyed Chama Days almost every year,” he said. “I don’t think very much has changed, to tell you the truth. We still have the parade, we have the rodeo.”
Vigil said he remembers the rodeo well from his first Chama Days. He and a friend rode cows around the ring, chasing each other just for fun. Vigil said there used to be more dances, but besides that Chama Days has stuck to its roots.
Vigil’s son, Ernest, agreed. He said the softball tournament has become a Chama institution.
“Some teams have been coming for 20 years,” he said. “One team comes from San Diego.”
The village itself has been organizing Chama Days for three years, resurrecting old favorites and adding some new ones.
“The baseball, the rodeo, the parade — and this is the second year we’re having the three-on-three basketball tournament,” Village Clerk Victoria Gonzales said.
She said local businesses appreciate the traffic the event generates, and food and novelty vendors travel from out-of-town to sell meals, arts and crafts. Besides the vendors and the rodeo, the event is free to visitors. Gonzales said the rodeo proceeds go to the village.
The Event is held this upcoming weekend. For more information, call 756-2184.