Elko, NV—Famous Bit, Spur and Saddle maker Guadalupe S. Garcia is to be the person of honor at the Elko Rodeo this year, marking the 100 year anniversary of it’s founding. Mr. Garcia, whose exquisite leather and silver works are arguably the most collectable pieces of antique cowboy artistry, established his Elko workshop and store in 1894 and founded the Elko Rodeo in 1912. He and his wife, Saturnina, planned the first Elko rodeo and based it upon their happy memories of past fiestas in their prior home of Santa Margarita, among others.

G.S. (as he was known to family and friends) designed and built an inner 1/2 mile oval horse track and an outer speedway for the just emerging automobile racing fever, all of which was surrounded by 500 poplar trees imported from Salt Lake City to provide shade and a grandness to the little desert oasis of craftsmanship, industry and entertainment.  The coveted prize of a "G. S. Garcia" saddle was awarded to the winner of the saddle bronc competition for many years. Today, a saddle made in the G.S. shop is worth thousands of dollars to collectors and is quite difficult to find. His bits and spurs are quite simply the best and most beautiful of the era and are eagerly sought after by avid collectors and investors around the world. In 2012, the Elko Rodeo was held on July 12, 13 and 14 at the Elko Fairgrounds. If you plan to attend, let us know so we can make plans to meet up with you at this wonderful celebration of the American Old West and one of its’ great leaders; visionary, businessman and artist, G. S. Garcia.