Peg-Leg Smith

Watch the video to hear Briem Cole's story and learn about his goals.

Michael and Julia Johnson take top honors in Borrego Springs Michael Johnson and Julia Johnson were named the winners of the 2026 Peg Leg Smith Liars Contest, held March 7 at American Legion Post 853 in Borrego Springs (circa 1916). Their winning performance, The Ballad of Peg Leg Smith , mixed music, costume, and tall-tale humor in a way that captured the spirit of one of Borrego Springs’ most distinctive traditions. Michael opened by noting that he had won the contest the previous two years, making this his third straight victory. This year also marked the first time he and Julia Johnson performed together. In the act, Michael sang The Ballad of Peg Leg Smith , while Julia appeared as Sister Mary Virgin Cleopatra Gamora, adding to the comic stage presence that helped set the performance apart. The performance played to the crowd with a mix of desert references, Borrego humor, and Peg Leg mythology. Johnson wove in mentions of local places, wild desert characters, and the enduring mystery of Peg Leg Smith’s lost mine, all while leaning into the exaggerated storytelling style that defines the contest. The finale brought the act back to its central idea: “We never found his mine, but we loved his mystery.”

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Discover the fascinating Pegleg Smith Monument near Borrego Springs. Learn about its history, significance, and how to visit this unique landmark.

Harry Oliver's legacy in Borrego Springs is a tapestry woven from tales of adventure, whimsy, and the enduring spirit of the Desert Rat. His impact on the cultural and historical landscape of the Anza-Borrego Desert continues to be celebrated, a testament to a man whose life was as vibrant and enduring as the desert he loved​.