April 11, 2024

Borrego Springs Art Guild's Tea Party at Rams Hill

April Art Guild Luncheon

On April 11th, Rams Hill was the venue for the Borrego Springs Art Guild's Tea Party Luncheon, a special event with an entrance fee of $30, for Guild members and their friends. This gathering was a celebration of local art and culture, attracting a diverse group of art enthusiasts for an enjoyable afternoon.

The day included a variety of activities such as a raffle, a silent auction of unique art pieces, and a half-price purse sale. The hat contest was particularly engaging, featuring an array of creative entries like intricate butterfly hats, playful McDonald's fry hats, and elegant small headbands with mini hats, along with a standout cowboy hat worn by Richard Gray from the Borrego Springs Concert Association, all adding a festive flair to the event.

Guests indulged in an 'Afternoon Tea' that included a selection of savory bites like Smoked Salmon Crostini and Quiche Bites, complemented by sweet desserts. For those preferring a lighter fare, a Seasonal Berry Salad was also offered. Additionally, a Hot Tea Bar and various other beverages were available, with alcoholic options provided for an extra charge.

The Tea Party was an excellent opportunity for Guild members and their friends to connect and reinforce their commitment to promoting local art and culture. The Borrego Springs Art Guild, a non-profit organization, organizes such events to foster community engagement and make art accessible to everyone in the area.

The seamless flow of the event was expertly managed by the announcer, Jeanne Plekon, a well-regarded artist and prominent member of the local art community.

For more details about the Guild or to get involved in future events, interested parties can contact bscaartguild@gmail.com or text 206-713-5220.

Were you at the event and want to submit an article, images, or suggest more information? Please contact us! We are more than happy to receive suggestions and content.

A Legacy of Art in the Desert

The Borrego Springs Art Guild, established in Borrego Springs, CA, and tax-exempt since July 1971 with EIN 23-7120666, holds the distinction of being the oldest art organization in the area, fostering a rich tradition of culture and creativity.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

The Waddington Brothers to Perform in Borrego Springs: February 26

February 9, 2026

Live On Stage, Inc. and Borrego Springs Community Concert Association announce Sibling Bluegrass/Western band as part of their 2025-2026 Concert Season BORREGO SPRINGS, Cali. – (February 5, 2026) – Join the Waddington Brothers as they perform iconic Bluegrass and Western music with jaw-dropping authenticity in a live concert at Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Individual tickets may be available in the lobby the night of the show. If you would like to get on the waiting list or for further information, please use the contact form on the website - borregoconcerts.org . Students are admitted for free. “…world-class musicians who connect with their audiences and bring sheer joy to those in attendance.” Michael Burgraff, Fergus Falls Center for the Arts The Waddington Brothers, a band of four brothers from rural North Dakota, perform what they live: music that is real to them, that takes listeners on a journey through the heart of the American West. Seth, Ethan, Jacob and Job skillfully blend cowboy and bluegrass music, creating a style that is timelessly classic and yet refreshingly new and unique. Their rich, stirring harmonies and instrumental versatility bring familiar favorites like “Old Home Town,” “Less Traveled Road,” and “Red River Valley” to life in way that is entertaining and engaging for audiences of all ages!

Diminishing Returns Screens in Borrego Springs

February 9, 2026

Director Colin Whitman discusses short documentary following screening and audience Q&A

Endurance Cyclist Fred Lacroix Community Talk

February 7, 2026

Endurance, Adaptation, and Purpose International endurance handcyclist Fred Lacroix spoke at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center on February 6. The event featured a talk followed by audience questions, offering insight into long-distance handcycling, endurance racing, and the role sport has played in shaping Lacroix’s life. Light snacks were provided as part of the evening program. Lacroix described how becoming a wheelchair user marked a complete reset rather than a detour. “It’s not a turn in your life. It’s a new life to start.” He explained that independence came through intentional daily choices, identifying a clear decision early in his recovery. “There were two choices: a couch, a television, beer, potato chips—or to try to move.” That choice led him first to racing wheelchairs, where he competed in road races and half marathons, and later to handcycling, which allowed him to train longer and focus on endurance. “Immediately, it was like a spark. I was comfortable, and I could ride for hours.” During the talk, Lacroix outlined what endurance racing requires—consistent training, goal-setting, and mental focus. He briefly discussed riding Pikes Peak, one of North America’s highest paved roads, explaining that success at altitude depends on long-term acclimation rather than last-minute effort. “You cannot decide on Friday night while eating a pizza. You have to train a long time to acclimate your body to the lack of oxygen.” Lacroix also explained how training in Borrego Springs led him to discover the 6–12–24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, a race where athletes compete over six, twelve, or twenty-four hours on a closed course, emphasizing strategy, concentration, and sustained effort. He later competed in the event and earned first place in his age division. He closed by clarifying why he wanted to speak publicly—not to focus on himself, but on possibility. “I asked to organize this presentation not to speak about me, but about what we can do—disabled or not. Sport is important for everybody.” The evening concluded with audience questions covering equipment, safety, training logistics, and race preparation, highlighting the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center’s ongoing role as a place for learning, conversation, and shared experience.

Borrego Springs Dog Show at Springs RV Park

February 6, 2026

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m. Location: Springs Amphitheater Dog Participation: Open to Roadrunner Club / Springs RV Park dogs only Public Attendance: Free and open to the public to watch and cheer

Circle of Art in Borrego Springs, March 14-15, 2026

By Borrego Soroptimist • February 6, 2026

Free juried art show at Christmas Circle

Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest | March 7, 2026 at Dusk

February 5, 2026

PEG LEG SMITH LIAR’S CONTEST Since 1916 To Date The next saga of the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest is a month away, Saturday March 7th . Location American Legion Post #853 4515 Borrego Springs Road Borrego Springs, Ca. Date March 7th, 2026 Time Dusk Who Thomas Long Smith , miner, horse thief, Indian fighter, and notorious liar. Google him for details or YouTube for videos. What A 100 plus year old event , a perpetuation of prevarication, where participants at the event manufacture the truth or a lie about a real person, Thomas Long Smith , aka Peg Leg Smith , who allegedly found, then lost, a gold mine in the Borrego Valley back in the mid-1800’s. He existed. The mine is what is in question. Why Must be fun. It’s been held here in the Valley nearly every year, give or take a few world wars and related interferences…… since 1916 . Rules None. Just make up a lie about him, or not even him—most anything—that is interesting, logical, entertaining, relatively short ( 10 minutes or less ). If it is good and you just show up and lie, you will receive a trophy (recycled) and a nice certificate good enough to frame . Judging There are three judges , all veterans of the event, all with 20 or more years doing so. The Chief Judge , me, has been judging since 1982 (no remuneration, free, poor judgement on my part). Winners are not chosen on bribery or status, but on three major categories : Quality of the lie ( 10 points max ) Performance in presenting it ( 10 points max ) Garb, stunts, random foolishness, helpers, music, or whatever ( 5 points max ) The last five points only separate the scores, as even last-minute sign-ups during the event are competitive. If we have children under 10 years of age , we will have a child judging category as well. Audience & Participation It is a liar’s contest. We can have 50, 100, 150 or more in the audience, but without liars…there is no contest . Sign up at the event Viewers bring a folding chair Bring non-alcoholic beverages (the Legion has a full bar) Sit outside near the campfire (held outside always—dress accordingly) Services Bathrooms, bar, and kitchen courtesy of the Legion and volunteers. Dinner is available—might be pulled pork again by popular demand , or not. It is a liar’s contest. Actually, I might be lying to you now. The Only Truth It will occur rain or shine , at the date and time , at the Legion . Bring a Lie It can be a short one, bad one, dumb one about anything you want to lie about—or even the truth is welcome. Just say his name, then run off in any direction you lie about best. You probably won’t know anyone there except a few friends that might have come along, so you can’t be embarrassed in front of strangers. Prepare to lie. We ALWAYS need liars . Even bad ones. Again, Google the contest to learn more. It is always fun and out of doors. What could be better than that? Oh, free as well. Jim McKenna Learn More About Borrego Springs

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