banner: Taste of the Trail

spacer

spacer

spacer

spacer

Live Auction Items

There's nothing more exciting than the Taste of the Trail Live Auction event conducted by the one and only Joe Adams, auctioneer extraordinaire. His unique talent for comedy and camaraderie brings out the best in Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum donors and supporters. This is such a fast-paced, entertaining part of the evening — so be sure to be in your seat at 7PM to catch all the action and/or bid on your favorite items. Here's just a sample with a whole roster of surprise items to be presented the night of the event:

  1. Houston Stock Show & Rodeo Package.
    How can you turn down an evening of entertainment with four! (third row) rodeo action seats at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! Free food is included with these premium seats, which are conveniently located next to the bar. This exclusive opportunity also comes with rodeo parking passes, hats, and coozies. Generously donated by Rosemary Harrison.

  2. Piece of Fine Art by Jerry Allen Brem.
    This Texas artist living in Durham, North Carolina brings together elements of line, color, texture and movement in a bold image of a Longhorn steer. A perfect art piece for your ranch home, Brem's goal is for the viewer to take what the artist has started and complete the painting with their experiences — allowing their moods to take charge. Donated by Terry & Skip Henkel, Judy & Walter Fisher and artist, Jerry Brem. www.jabrem.com

  3. Unique Woman's Coat from Rawhide.
    Sue Porter and her store in Fredericksburg, Rawhide, have donated a highly collectible serape coat from Rawhide's Karen Wilkinson Collection — a distinctive line of jackets created from vintage, hand-woven, Saltillo serapes, African mud-cloth and a variety of other interesting textiles from around the world. Wilkinson moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the early '90s, where she was influenced by the art and design style of the region — each piece is completely unique and incredibly vibrant. Your chance tonight to add a unique garment from Santa Fe and Sue Porter's Rawhide western apparel store to your wardrobe! www.rawhidefredericksburg.com

  4. Dove Hunt on Blackwell Runge Ranch.
    Ten lucky hunters (or five hunters and their guests) will be in for a grand day of serious dove hunting and camaraderie at Bill & Nancy Blackwell's Runge Ranch. Food and libations are included, and spouses or non-hunters in your party can enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the ranch house. That evening, the group will be treated to a steak dinner with all the trimmings right off the fire pit. So bid solo or bid together for the opportunity to host this "doves and more" day at Blackwell Ranch. Date to be determined by mutual agreement during the 2010-11 hunting season.
    Hosts Nancy & Bill Blackwell, Suzie & Nathan Post, Shirley & Errol John Dietze, Karyn & Pat Elder, Tim Pennell, Judy & Barry Copenhaver, Laurie & Johnny Pokluda, and Lynn & Ronnie Luster.

  5. TurkeyFest Party in New CTHM Building.
    The lucky winners of this event will be able to enjoy the TurkeyFest parade from a wonderful, new vantage point — the newly restored Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum! This exclusive tail gate party is available to two groups of 30 guests, who will be able to avoid the hassle of the crowds beginning with reserved parking at the museum complex. Your hosts will pamper you with food and beverage before the start of the parade — then you can choose your favorite viewing spot, whether from the upper level of the new museum or private area under the awning on Esplanade. After the conclusion of the parade, continue to enjoy more food and drink while waiting for the crowds to clear. A perfect way to entertain friends and family with exclusive use of the new museum facilities.
    Generously organized and donated by Tim Pennell, Karyn & Pat Elder, Judy & Barry Copenhaver, Cindy & Paul Holcomb, and Nancy & Bill Blackwell.

  6. Handmade Spurs by Cody Jack.
    The spurs offered in this year's auction are crafted by Cody Jack of Panhandle, Texas and again made possible by the generous underwriting of Mustang Mott Ranch and Bucky's Liquor. Cody has been making collector spurs for over ten years and serves as the vice-president of the Texas-Style Bit & Spur Maker Association, while spending most summers creating spurs for ranch rodeos in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico. As in previous years, two sets of spurs are made by a renowned Texas bit & spur maker — one pair is sold in the "Taste of the Trail" live-auction, while the other pair is placed in the permanent collection of the Museum. Our "Taste of the Trail" auction is once again honored by the generosity of Dee & Bucky Sager and their family.

  7. Giddy Up, Little Pony! A Custom-Made Rocking Horse.
    This one-of-a-kind rocking horse is custom-made from a variety of chosen woods at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institution. A traditional symbol of the American West, this unique piece will win the hearts of your children or grandchildren and is perfect as a conversation piece in your home or as a wonderful décor centerpiece in a Western-style bedroom. In time, it will become a cherished family heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation. The CTHM wants to again thank Bettye and Paddy Burwell for bringing this exceptional piece to our Taste of the Trail live-auction.

  8. Jackson Hole Getaway.
    If you've never experienced the great American West now's your chance! At the foot of the great Teton mountain range and ten minutes from downtown Jackson, Diana & David Burrow have generously offered their three bedroom, three & one-half bath Wyoming home located on the 18th hole of a Robert Trent Jones golf course at the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club. To assist you in the simple pleasures of the great outdoors, there's nearby Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, fly-fishing, horseback riding, golf, tennis, hiking, biking, or simply finding a spot on the Snake River to watch the crystal-clear water trickle downstream to the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. House is available for seven days & nights during Thanksgiving, Christmas / New Year's, June 1 — July 5th, or any dates in January, February and March. Must be redeemed by April 30, 2011. A special thanks to Diana & David Burrow for their continuing support of "Taste of the Trail."

  9. Tod Slone Custom-Built Saddle.
    Calf-roping enthusiasts and collectors of some of the highest quality custom-built saddles in the nation need not look further than their own back yard. Lonna & Tod Slone, together with Tod Slone Saddles have generously donated another one-of-a-kind saddle to our "Taste of the Trail" live auction. Crafted in Cuero of the finest materials, the saddle is designed to commemorate the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, resulting in the creation of a handsome, locally made masterpiece. This is your opportunity to own a saddle of the highest standards and quality work, while supporting the mission of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum.
    Generously donated by Lonna & Tod Slone, Cindy & Paul Holcomb, Linda & Lawrence Anzaldua, Shirley & Errol John Dietze, and Carol & John Hildebrand. www.slonesaddles.com

  10. Romantic Weekend in Fredericksburg.
    A romantic weekend for two in Fredericksburg is one of the hottest items in this year's live auction. Fredericksburg — a Texas hill country trend-setter has grown to offer some of the finest accommodations and cuisine in any rural community across the state. Besides offering some of the most-fashionable western wear for women, Sue Porter and Rawhide have arranged for a truly romantic getaway in a charming, authentic log cabin; a "culinary craw" for two lucky bidders; plus, pieces of men's/women's jewelry to boot! (Pardon the pun). Two-night's lodging provided by Absolute Charm, Luxury Bed & Breakfasts in "Katrina's Cabin," in the heart of the community directly across from the famed Fredericksburg Herb Farm. (Amenities: Two-bedrooms, two-baths, wrap around porch, private hot tub, sauna, kitchenette with microwave). Start off Saturday morning at Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe, owned and operated by world-renowned pastry chef, Rebecca Rather. "Everything she makes is a lot like her: down-home, yet grand and familiar, yet one-of-a-kind." Take breakfast or lunch either Saturday or Sunday at The Sunset Grill, a classic American bistro committed to serving the highest quality and freshest food possible. Dinner at either Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse or Navajo Grill. Navajo Grill, which serves dinner only, is a premier gourmet experience known for its fabulous presentation and excellent menu. Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse features live music & entertainment in the Texas Hill Country, with a full service bar in the newly-completed, two-year renovation of their historic building on Main Street. Crossroads Saloon is a steak house offering the finest of meats that you won't soon forget. With this list of accommodations and fine dining, you might not want to go home! Sue is also providing a woman's turquoise link bracelet with matching earrings, designed by Doug Magnus of Santa Fe, and a man's belt buckle by Clint Orms of Ingram. There's no way you'll want to walk away from purchasing this very special weekend in Fredericksburg. www.rawhidefredericksburg.com

  11. Here Comes the ............ Judge's Chair!
    Select the color of leather and head-rest design of this impressive custom-made, hand carved wood and leather chair. Thanks again to Paddy Burwell (he has connections), the chair was created at the Dolph Briscoe Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division. Custom-designed with your ranch brand or stamped with the official seal of the State of Texas — in the same fashion as the specially made chairs for our Texas Governors and Texas Supreme Court Judges. Generously donated by Carol & John Hildebrand and Bettye & Paddy Burwell.

  12. Antelope Hunt at Moon Ranch.
    Two great friends of the museum, Tim Pennell and Jeff McMahan have generously arranged and donated an antelope and/or aoudad hunt for one hunter on the famed 88,000 acre Moon Ranch, which is located outside of Van Horn, Texas. Nestled next to the picturesque Davis Mountains, the hunt includes three days/two nights at Moon Ranch, and lodging in the ranch's historic railroad house. Also included are meals and libations, with awesome views of seemingly endless miles of pristine land, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and star-gazing around the nightly campfires. Guided by hosts Tim Pennell and Jeff McMahan, the hunt is scheduled for opening weekend of antelope season, which will be October 1, 2, and 3, 2010.

  13. Harrison Quarter Horse Ranch Filly.
    Rosemary Harrison and the Harrison Quarter Horse Ranch in Fulshear, Texas have taken the "Taste of the Trail" auction to new heights with the donation of "Skipastarsky" (out of "Skip A Star" & "King Moore's Dora") — a beautiful mare from champion cutting, reining and calf-roping blood lines on all four sides! "Skipastarsky's" pedigree ("Rooster's Willy / Willys Frosty Star / Gallo del Cielo / King Moore / Les Glos Colonel) reads like a blue-blooded New Englander! Your opportunity to own an exceptional mare from two of the top reining/cutting bloodlines in Texas. Generously donated by Rosemary Harrison.

  14. Ring by Dian Malouf & Torin Bales Fine Jewelry.
    Victoria's premiere jewelry store, Torin Bales Fine Jewelry, has generously donated one of the finest pieces of fine jewelry ever offered in Cuero — a dazzling ring by Dallas's nationally recognized jewelry designer, Dian Malouf. Dian, an accomplished author and strong advocate for Texas history and historic preservation, has crafted a sterling silver and 14-karat gold ring with faceted pink quartz. Torin Bales Fine Jewelry is the exclusive Dian Malouf dealer in Victoria and by far offers the most extensive selection of diamond engagement rings, bridal sets and loose diamonds in the Crossroads Region. Generously donated by Torin Bales and Torin Bales Fine Jewelry. www.torinbales.com

  15. Buckle Up with Clint Orms!
    Style-creator Sue Porter, who owns Rawhide — a fashionable western clothing, vintage boot, accessory and gift store in beautiful downtown Fredericksburg has generously donated a custom belt buckle by Clint Orms. Regarded as one of the country's finest silversmiths and engraver of museum-quality silver and gold belt buckles in the nation, Clint performs his quality craftsmanship in Ingram, Texas. Eagerly sought by collectors, the buckles are awarded to winners of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and to winners in the professional bull riders championship competition. His signature is quality and his buckles are only sold in 15 of the most discerning Western stores in the country. A very special thanks to Sue Porter and Rawhide for this extraordinary opportunity at this year's Taste of the Trail.
    www.rawhidefredericksburg.com

  16. Guided White Tail Deer Hunt at Rancho Pancho.
    Plan on multiple hunting opportunities for two days — a total of four outings — at Rancho Pancho, located 10 miles east of Cuero. Two early morning hunts and/or two afternoon hunts in deluxe deer stands for one hunter and one nonhunting guest. Arrive to hunt or stay previous night in a private log cabin guest cottage. Hunt for one doe or one management buck as chosen by ranch guide. Hunt must be taken during the first two weeks in November of the 2010 season — weekends or weekdays — your choice! Donated by Linda & Lawrence Anzaldua and Rancho Pancho.

  17. Casita Retreat in Santa Fe.
    Full of southwestern Spanish charm, this handsome Casita is a one-bedroom mesa top guest house located twelve miles north of the historic downtown Plaza of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Views to the east are of the Sangre de Christo Mountains reaching to 12,000 feet and to the west above Los Alamos, the Jemez Peaks. Should you decide to leave your private retreat, Santa Fe offers five-star dining, the most significant art galleries west of New York and the charm of Spanish and Native American culture, which truly makes Santa Fe "A City Different". The Casita, located on a five-acre tract near the home of Lleta & Ken Scoggins, is decorated with a Spanish Colonial motif and includes living room, dining area, bedroom / bathroom with shower, green house, portal (covered porch) and patio — quite suitable for taking in the crisp mountain air of Santa Fe. This offer is for a five day / four night stay during any time of the year, but subject to availability with owner. Must be redeemed by April 15, 2011. A $1,000 contribution towards air travel for two and rental car has been generously donated by Peggy & Travis Basham.
    The winning bidder will find the Casita stocked for light breakfast and afternoon snacks and will be able to enjoy drinks at sundown under the portal. Generously donated by Lleta & Ken Scoggins.

  18. Sale of Three Commemorative Stone Pavers.
    Architect Lewis Fisher has designed a beautiful pathway of stone pavers stretching the length of Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum historic building and annex. Tonight's auction offers the sale of three, strategically located 30" x 30" commemorative stone pavers that will welcome museum visitors and guests as they enter the museum complex along Esplanade. Support the completion of the capital building project by purchasing one of three stone pavers, while honoring an ancestor or your ranching heritage.

A Special Night at the Museum.

The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum extends an invitation for you to attend a very special "Night at the Museum." The venue will be South Central Texas's newest and most handsome venue, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum community facility, located on the second floor of the historic building, and will feature a five-course, candle-lit dinner for fifty guests (five tables of ten). Scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2010, this extraordinary dinner will be prepared by one of South Central Texas's most creative and celebrated chefs, Tonya Patterson of Victoria. To start, you'll savor Tonya's Corn Fritters with Mango Avocado Salsa and Crostini with Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Cream, followed by a Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup with Thyme & Rosemary. Salad course will include hand-selected Field Greens with Roasted Butternut Squash & Shaved Pecorino with a Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, followed by a Beef Tenderloin with Port Wine Cherry Reduction, Roasted New Potatoes, and a Spinach & Cauliflower Gratin. Save room for her dessert! — a Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis. Tables of ten are priced at $1500.

Generously underwritten by Judy & Walter Fisher; Diana & David Burrow; Sara & Alton Meyer; A.J. Simpson; Mike Mixon; Missi Thomas; Robert Oliver; Expressions Floral & Gifts — Carol McCracken and Holly Weber; and Gail Dino — Prestige Wine Group of Dallas.

On the Trail Again.

The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum invites you to ride the rolling hills of Cheapside, not too distant from Cardwell Flats, the starting point of Thornton Chisholm's legendary cattle drive of 1866. The trail ride will be limited to no more than 25 riders, with a provision for a wagon and/or flat-bed trailer for those who prefer to view the beauty closer to the ground! The ride will begin with a light brunch before setting out on a three to four hour ride, including several rest stops, and will conclude with libations and a campfire dinner. Begin the campfire dinner with caterer John Welder's mesquite-grilled quail, followed by his famous pitfired beef tender, decadent potatoes, grilled asparagus, mixed green salad and dessert. John's campfire dinner is complemented with the best of Argentine Malbec wines, generously donated by Sara & Walter Stubbs. What a way to combine the picturesque landscape, so well known to many-a-Texas cowboy — with the flavor and romance of an Argentine estancia. Only 25 slots @ $250/rider will be sold for this event, which includes the campfire dinner that evening for you and your invited guest. Event scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2010.

Generously underwritten by Kay & Ron Walker; Leslie & Will Oliver; Cindi Griffin; Robert Oliver; Tracy Cliburn; Gail Dino — Prestige Wine Group of Dallas; Sara & Walter Stubbs; and the Stubbs Family of Cuero.

spacer

spacer