What began as a modest plan to rescue one of Catalina Island's most historic buildings has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The Middle Ranch Hoe Down, scheduled for Saturday, May 13, will bring hundreds of island residents and visitors to what was once the center of the island's ranching enterprise.

"Although this began as a fundraiser to restore the historic buildings at Middle Ranch, it has become much more," said organizer Wendy Harp. The event has become a community-wide opportunity to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Catalina's interior, according to Harp. "Our goal is to make it a magical experience for everyone involved," she said.

With that goal in mind, the organizers have brought together a wide range of events and activities sure to offer something for everyone.

The afternoon's featured entertainment will be America's Western Adventures, the popular Wild West showmen who thrilled local audiences at the Catalina Island Visitors Bureau Installation Dinner. Performers for the Hoe Down will include Kowboy Kal, bullwhip cracker, six-gun shooter and world-record holding rope spinner; Joey Dillion, who is the reigning world champion six gun spinner; and magicians Mark Crowe and Catalina's own Chris Putnam. America's Western Adventures will also feature one of its most popular performers, Harvey Wallbanger, the trained buffalo, who is sure to wow audiences at the Hoe Down.

The Wild West Show is just the beginning of the entertainment lined up for the Middle Ranch Hoe Down. Lourdes Thoricht and her popular Ballet Folklorico dancers will be performing traditional dances from Mexico. Tumbleweed Junction and Hot Off The Range will get boots kicking with their Western rhythms. And for those who are not quite sure of their boot-scootin' abilities, a Western dance instructor will offer lessons.

Hands-on activities will include horseshoes, a shooting challenge, tomahawk tossing and a collection of country fair style games. A number of local organizations will also have booths and information stands.

No hoe down would be complete without a country feast and there will be plenty of vittles on May 13. An old-fashioned barbeque will feature all the traditional fixings at a family-friendly price. And if that's not enough, Catalina's emergency services personnel will be challenging each other for champion chili rights with chili samples available for the public. A country saloon sponsored by the Avalon Rotary Club will whet adult whistles, while the Catalina Island Museum will offer non-alcoholic beverages.

Harp and the rest of the volunteers hope that they have put together an event that will make the Middle Ranch Hoe Down an annual experience. "We would like it to be something that both residents and visitors will look forward to attending year after year," she said.

Creating a memorable event has unified dozens of volunteers and a trio of organizations. The Catalina Saddle Club, the Catalina Island Museum and the Catalina Island Conservancy are all working together to ensure that the Hoe Down becomes a regular part of the island's calendar of events.

"I think the community is hungry for an event like this where everyone can get together and have a good time," Harp said.

While organizers hope that they will create a memorable afternoon in the interior, saving the interior's historic buildings is still a key element of the Hoe Down. The event's proceeds will be used to stabilize and restore the Middle Ranch Barn. Once the goals have been met for that project, the event's organizers hope to contribute funds toward preserving Eagle's Nest Lodge. "Next year our primary goal will be Eagle's Nest," Harp said. "Each year we hope to focus on restoring and preserving a different historic interior building."

"The museum is proud to participate in an effort to save and restore important features of our cultural landscape," said Stacey Otte, director of the Catalina Island Museum. "Each building is a reminder of the island's diverse history, whether it is ranching or the early stagecoach and hunting days."

The cost to attend the Hoe Down is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Admission includes round-trip transportation from the Tour Bus Plaza in Avalon. Tickets are available at the Catalina Island Museum, located on the lower level of the Casino Building, the Catalina Island Conservancy House, located on the corner of Claressa and Third streets and at the Catalina Island Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce on the Pleasure Pier. For more information, contact the front desk of the Conservancy House at (310) 510-2595, ext. 0, or Wendy Harp at (310) 510-1341.

Read about the 2007 Hoe Down