Time To Two Step Under The Stars: Free Saturday Dance Celebrates San Juan Capistrano’s Equestrianism

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – It just might be the largest country dance event in Southern California.

For 14 years, Orange County has celebrated San Juan Capistrano's western lifestyle and deep equestrian heritage with a huge party spotlighting the country two-step dance style synonymous with both.

This year's Two Stepping Under the Stars will take place on the grass of the storied and community-owned Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, July 30, again uniting our community in a festive celebration that's free for everyone thanks to the generous support of Blenheim Facility Management.

"Two Stepping is consistently one of the best events of the year, and this year's party promises to be the best ever," said event organizer Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson.

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with free dance lessons from the beloved country band the Kelly Boyz, so even if you've never two stepped before, never fret: you can learn!

One of San Juan Capistrano’s most dedicated equestrians will be honored Saturday at the dance located at the park she’s worked so hard to preserve -- the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition is to present Kathy Holman with its Distinguished Equestrian Award.

The award is given to a group, corporation, non-profit or person that had contributed to our community by preserving and enhancing the equestrian lifestyle.

Driven by a passion for horses from a young age, Kathy’s life exemplifies what the award is all about. She has mentored legions of trainers and instructed countless riders during her nearly 35 years with the Ortega Equestrian Center, first as manager for 10 years for her sister, DeeDee Gates, and then as owner with her now-late husband, John, and her commitment to drives her to City Council meetings and commission meetings, with the equestrian community always at the forefront of her mind.

“We couldn’t ask for a better advocate than Kathy,” said Johnson. “It will be such an honor to recognize her contributions at such a great community event.”

The community is invited to join us in honoring Kathy this Saturday. Dance lessons begin at 5 p.m.; dinner and dancing starts at 6 p.m. The event is free for everyone,

Dancing is just part of the fun. The event includes a host of great food and beverages for purchase from local restaurants A children's area with games, face painting and more will keep the kids busy, and a silent auction and raffle will delight with big prizes up for grabs and 100 percent of the proceeds set to go directly back into the equestrian community through charitable projects.

Here's just a sample of where the money from past dances has gone:

• Helping animals during disasters: bought an equipment-stocked trailer and a connex container that can be used for large animals and is stored at the Riding Park.

• Mapping our trails: Designed and underwrote trailhead signs, trail maps and trail markers for San Juan Capistrano’s extensive trail system.

• Digitizing our resources: funded and organized the virtual trail maps for the City of San Juan Capistrano’s website, which earned the prestigious American Public Works Association Project of the Year award in 2009.

• Enriching our community: organized the Summer Lecture Series for past 13 years, featuring a variety of experts about a range of equestrian topics.

• Supporting our businesses: created a campaign to support the merchants of San Juan Capistrano during the Ortega Highway interchange construction.

• Growing our hoofprint: built a horse pen with American Horse Products at the San Juan Hills Golf Course for riders to enjoy the ambiance of the golf course.

The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition is devoted to maintaining the standards and infrastructure of San Juan Capistrano’s equestrian profile, activities and facilities. Please go online to www.sjcec.org for more information, including upcoming activities and events.

--Information, images submitted by Meghann Cuniff