Poway Chamber to host rebranded Poway Fall Festival

About 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Poway Fall Festival. (Courtesy of the Poway Chamber of Commerce) The newly rebranded Poway Fall Festival is set for Sunday, Oct. 2 on Midland Road. Formerly the Poway Americana Festival, the Poway Chamber of Commerce has taken all the activities, food, drink and music from their summer street fair and added fall touches, such as a pumpkin patch and a beer garden. The event, which is free to attend, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of vendors, crafters and local businesses will be in attendance. A kid’s zone will be available. Two attendees from a prior year’s event are shown. The Poway Fall Festival will feature a kid’s zone (Photo courtesy of the Poway Chamber of Commerce.)  The Chamber is looking for area businesses, members and non-members alike, to sponsor the community festival, which in the past attracted roughly 10,000 attendees from Poway and surrounding areas. According to the Chamber, several sponsorship levels are available, from Event Sponsor at $500 to Title Sponsor at $3,000. All sponsorships include a complimentary vendor booth at the festival. To inquire about securing a sponsorship, contact Communications Manager Jessica Bello at jessica@poway.com. For more information about the Poway Fall Festival, go to poway.com/Poway-fall-festival/ or call the Chamber office at 858-748-0016. Or even better, reach out to me and let's connect at the festival!    

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Saddle Up Poway: Celebrating 50 Years of Rodeo Excitement!

Howdy, Poway pals and rodeo enthusiasts! Jerrod Waller here, your friendly neighborhood Realtor and lifelong Poway resident. I'm saddling up today to share some thrilling news about an event that's as ingrained in our town's history as the chaparral-covered hills that surround us – the Poway Rodeo. Now in its 50th year, this rip-roaring event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, and I can't wait to spill the beans on all the rootin' tootin' action! The 50th Poway Rodeo is set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22-23, at the arena at 14336 Tierra Bonita Road in Poway. (Reed Settle/PRCA Photographer)   Unbridled Tradition Meets Exciting New Twists The Poway Rodeo has been a staple in our community for half a century, and it's grown from a small, informal affair to a spectacular event that still pays homage to its cowboy and cowgirl roots. This year, as we mark the golden anniversary, you can expect a mix of traditional contests and some exciting newcomers to the arena. The rodeo will feature heart-pounding events like bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing – all the classics that get your adrenaline pumping. But what's really getting folks fired up is the breakaway roping competition. Picture this: riders throw a rope around a calf, and once it's caught, the rope "breaks away," stopping the clock. Some of these pros can do it in just a few seconds, making it the fastest sport on dirt. Yeehaw! Photo by James Fain/Courtesy Riata Ranch   Trick Riding with Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls Hold onto your hats, folks, because we've got something special in store for you this year. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, a troupe of trick riders known to light up rodeos across the country, will be performing right here in Poway. Their daring stunts and mesmerizing routines will leave you breathless, and it's an absolute must-see. On Saturday, Sam’s Posse Round-up Rodeo will give those age 5 and up with intellectual and physical disabilities a chance to experience a modified rodeo. From left, volunteer Clayton Tellier, Jacob; Buck Burt, Sam’s Posse Founder; and volunteer Tom Drew at a previous Poway Rodeo. (Criselda Yee)   Poway Rodeo: Giving Back and Building Bonds The Poway Rodeo isn't just about thrilling rodeo action – it's about community and compassion too. Over the years, this event has given back in more ways than one. From expanding our rodeo grounds to becoming a cherished tradition for families, it's evident that the Poway Rodeo brings us closer together. We also take pride in supporting our community. The all-volunteer Poway Rodeo has donated thousands of dollars to various organizations, touching the lives of those in need. Whether it's helping special needs children or contributing to childhood cancer research, we're committed to making a difference. When and Where to Catch the Action Now, let's talk logistics. The Poway Rodeo kicked off on Friday, September 22nd, at 7:30 p.m. The theme for Friday night is "Fiesta Night," celebrating the deep Spanish roots of rodeo. Then, on Saturday, September 23rd, we've got two performances lined up: one at 1 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. Plus, an after-rodeo dance on both nights will keep the party going. For the early birds, don't miss the Slack on Friday at 10 a.m., where additional rodeo activities unfold in the same arena. And for our special rodeo stars aged 5 and up with intellectual and physical disabilities, the Sam's Posse Round-up Rodeo on Saturday at 10 a.m. offers a modified rodeo experience in a safe and inclusive environment. It's a day filled with joy and unforgettable memories. Poway Rodeo contests will include bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, breakaway roping and barrel racing. (Reed Settle/PRCA Photographer)   Wrangling Tickets and More You're probably wondering how to lasso those coveted rodeo tickets. Well, partner, you'll want to head over to PowayRodeo.com to purchase yours online. There's general admission, preferred seating, and even VIP options that include food and beverages. And speaking of VIP, you must be 21 or older to attend the after-rodeo dance. If you want to show off your Poway Rodeo pride, don't forget to check out the special 50th-anniversary buckles available for purchase online. So, whether you're a seasoned rodeo aficionado or a newcomer to the cowboy way of life, the Poway Rodeo is where you want to be this weekend. It's a celebration of our rich Western heritage, a showcase of incredible talent, and a heartwarming testament to our close-knit community. So grab your boots, dust off your Stetson, and join me at the Poway Rodeo for an unforgettable 50th-anniversary extravaganza. Let's make memories that'll last a lifetime, right here in our beloved Poway! Giddy up! 🤠 For more information, trot on over to PowayRodeo.com. See you there, partners! Children will be able to participate in Poway Rodeo activities such as mutton busting. (Reed Settle/PRCA Photographer)      

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Poway's Hamburger Factory Gets a Refresh From This Familiar Native

As a longtime resident of Poway, California, and a proud Poway High School graduate, I couldn't be more excited to share some fantastic news with you all. Our beloved Hamburger Factory, a true Poway icon, is about to get a fresh and delicious makeover under the ownership of my dear friend, Josh Arbenz. The Arbenz family, Jennifer and Josh with their son, Gibson, plan to take ownership of The Hamburger Factory in September. (Courtesy Josh Arbenz)   You see, Josh and I go way back. We both grew up in Poway, attended the same school, and share a deep connection to this wonderful community. Now, Josh is taking the reins at the Hamburger Factory, and I couldn't be happier for him. The Poway City Council recently approved a new lease agreement, transferring ownership to Josh and his wife, Jennifer. The city owns the land and the building that houses our cherished Hamburger Factory, and this new chapter promises to keep the heart and soul of this beloved eatery intact. Josh Arbenz, a proud Poway High School alumnus, understands the importance of preserving the Hamburger Factory's identity while bringing in some exciting updates. He's planning to modernize both the interior and the menu, which is music to the ears of locals who have been craving something new while cherishing our city's heritage. One thing I admire about Josh's approach is his commitment to maintaining the diner's "city-in-the-country" atmosphere. He knows that the Hamburger Factory's rustic charm and classic Americana style are what make it so special, and he wants to enhance that experience. Drawing from his successful restaurant ventures, including Stratford at the Harbor and Stratford Court Cafe, Josh plans to introduce some mouthwatering additions to the Hamburger Factory menu. Get ready for a "world-famous coffee cake" that will perfectly complement the existing egg and omelette dishes, as well as a "quintessential Southern California burger" served on a grilled brioche bun. But that's not all; Josh is also planning to cater to families visiting Old Poway Park with kid-friendly shakes that go beyond the ordinary. Think birthday cake and red velvet cake shakes that will make your taste buds tingle. As someone deeply connected to Poway, I understand the weight of this responsibility. The Hamburger Factory holds a special place in the hearts of many Poway residents, and Josh and Jennifer Arbenz are fully aware of this. They are committed to ensuring that this iconic eatery continues to be a place where everyone feels at home. The Hamburger Factory in Old Poway Park is known for its hamburgers and rustic decor. (Julie Gallant)   Josh's dedication to serving the community mirrors that of the late Phil Spear, the former owner of Hamburger Factory, who was not only known for serving great food but for his generosity toward Poway's various causes and events. I'm confident that Josh Arbenz will carry on this legacy and make the Hamburger Factory a destination that not only locals but visitors too will cherish. He's not just revamping a restaurant; he's revitalizing a Poway institution. So, as we eagerly await the grand reopening, let's give a warm Poway welcome to Josh and Jennifer Arbenz. Get ready to savor the familiar flavors of the Hamburger Factory, mixed with some exciting new surprises. I, for one, can't wait to walk through those doors, enjoy a delicious meal, and relish in the nostalgia that this place has always brought to our lives. The Hamburger Factory isn't just a restaurant; it's a part of our Poway story, and I'm thrilled to see its story continue under the caring ownership of a true Poway native. Hamburger Factory is a longtime fixture at Old Poway Park which has a picnic area, historic buildings and a small railroad. (Julie Gallant)   As we eagerly await the grand reopening of the Hamburger Factory, let's also celebrate the vibrant real estate market in Poway. Together, we can savor the flavors of this iconic restaurant and explore the endless opportunities our city has to offer. If you're ready to take the next step in Poway real estate, whether buying or selling, contact me today. Let's make your Poway dreams a reality while we look forward to the exciting changes at the Hamburger Factory. Poway, our city of memories and dreams, is alive with new possibilities, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.   Jerrod Waller    

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