The Original City Plan for Borrego Springs: Christmas Circle

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

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

Una Noche Mexicana Gala Weekend Una Noche Mexicana is coming to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center for a festive weekend of mariachi, live music, and ballet folklórico . It’s a gala-style benefit concert that brings the community together while celebrating culture in Borrego Springs. Proceeds support scholarships that go directly to qualified Borrego Springs High School students. Tickets are limited, so buy early , and if you or your business want to make a bigger impact, consider becoming a sponsor . Side note: Let’s show up strong for OLAX. They’re doing important work in Borrego Springs, and a lot of what they do happens quietly behind the scenes. Yes, they need more support. Event Details Event: Una Noche Mexicana, Gala Event (Benefit Concert) Presented by: Organización LatinX de Borrego Springs (OLAX) Showtimes Saturday, March 14 at 6:00 PM Sunday, March 15 at 3:30 PM Location Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center 580 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs What You Will Experience Una Noche Mexicana is a celebration of Mexican cultural traditions on stage, featuring: Mariachi Live music Ballet folklórico Expect an upbeat, family-friendly program with performances that highlight rhythm, storytelling through dance, and the energy of live musicians. Where to buy tickets & explore sponsorship www.olaxdeborrego.org Why It Matters Locally The event benefits culture and education in Borrego Springs. Supporting nights like this helps keep community-based arts and educational efforts visible and funded, while bringing people together for something fun and meaningful. Contact info@olaxdeborrego.org OLAX 501(c)(3): 93-2954175

BY: Colt Knedler Rams Hill Golf Club