Big things are accomplished by the small “cowboy” community of Creston, California. Creston, located east of Atascadero and south of Highway 41, was established in 1884 and one of the first projects completed by the community was a school house. In the 1960’s this small community built a Community Swimming Pool, followed by a Volunteer Fire Station in the 1980’s, and a Community Garden in the 1990’s. The latest project which began in 1992 is a Community Center and recreational area that will serve the whole community.
Not only does this community get projects done they also raise the funds for them. Both feats are quite remarkable as the latest stats show a mere 1,125 people living in Creston. This is a 45% increase in population since 1990. With the vision of creating the Creston Community Center, all of the community organizations banded together with the same purpose of raising funds for this new center. Thus the C.A.T.C.H. (Creston Activities Town Center Helping-hands) fund was established in 1993. One of the primary fund generating activities is the annual Creston Classic Rodeo. Established in 1995 it has now been running for 19 years.
The Creston Classic Rodeo is held every September and draws Cowboys and Cowgirls of all ages from all over California. With prize money, popular Rodeo events, Rodeo Queens and Vendors and Concessions, the event is well-attended. Its primary purpose – besides putting on a great rodeo – is to generate funds for the Creston Community Center and other projects. The event has grown in popularity and sponsors over the years and this year the event contributed $15,000 to the C.A.T.C.H. fund.
The old Fire Station located on Swayze Street in Creston has been re-purposed as the new location for the Creston Community Center. In February 2014 the final plans to renovate the old fire station were approved. On February 25, 2014 the concrete pad was poured; the first indication that indeed the Creston Community Center is becoming a reality. The bathroom addition (which includes a storage room) was completed this summer. In September, the metal siding and roofing was completed. And now the community is getting ready to host the first event in the soon-to-be-fully-completed Creston Community Center: A Cowboy Dinner on December 13, 2014.
Saturday, December 13th 4 – 8 PM
CATCH a Creston Cowboy Dinner and Silent Auction
at the NEW Community Center
The tickets are $45 each or reserve a table for 8 for $400
A delicious Italian catered dinner is planned
This dinner will include a Silent Auction,
a LIVE dessert auction, and possibly some LIVE music !
To reserve your tickets, please call Donna directly at 805-610-1517.
To make a donation, please snail mail a check or money order made out to
“The CATCH Fund” to PO Box 14, Creston CA 93432
You are invited to join the community of Creston and experience first-hand the BIG things a small town can accomplish when they band together for the benefit of all. Get your Cowboy Dinner tickets and support the completion of the Creston Community Center.
Rodeo photos borrowed from the Creston Classic Rodeo Facebook page.