07/05/2026
The highlight of the summer season in Cimarron is the annual July 4th Cimarron Parade followed by the Maverick Club Rodeo - held for the 103rd year in 2026. Jack Nairn was one of the founding members of the Maverick Club in 1922, and elected president of the Mavericks, following Stuart Webster, from 1924 until Nairn's death in 1947. Nairn tried to resign the post on several occasions, but his resignation was declined each time by the Mavericks which held him in such high esteem. In his later years, Nairn was provided with two vice presidents to assist in this duties.
During the 1936 July 4th Maverick Rodeo, the Raton Daily Range wrote “John J. Nairn, president of Mavericks, which sponsors these horse events other than polo, sat on his horse Saturday morning like a Spanish cavalier. He was a genial host, too, as usual.” Approaching 80 years old at the time, Jack could still cut a striking figure on a horse while quietly surveying much of what he had helped to build over the years along with his fellow Mavericks and the generosity of Waite Phillips who graciously donated the land and paid to construct the grandstand and buildings for the benefit of the Cimarron community.
Each year men, women, and young cowpokes from far and wide come to Cimarron to compete in events including bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, and mutton bustin'. Many of the competitors are working hands and ranchers from the ranches surrounding Cimarron where the cowboy culture is still very much alive and well, and where most of the work is still done on horseback rather than motorized all terrain vehicles.
With Rodeo Queens in brightly colored outfits, working hands in their best outfits, American Flags in abundance, antique cars, and what seems like every vehicle with a siren in this part of Colfax County, the Cimarron Parade and Maverick Rodeo is small town Americana - southwestern style - at its finest! Participants on floats and in vehicles throw candy to kids (and some adults) along the route, young girls walk their miniature goats, and even a camel joins the parade, along with his/her humans, to share in the abundance of pride in the Cimarron community. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to attend this very special event, it's certainly something to put toward the top of your bucket list!
Even though the 2026 Maverick Rodeo is past, there is plenty of summer and fall left to visit the Cimarron area and the Casa del Gavilan Historic Inn. Plan a visit to the Casa del Gavilan to enjoy the flora and fauna, a beautiful summer, the colorful fall, and the uncommon tranquility of the historic adobe villa. Reservations are available online at https://casadelgavilan.com/reservations or by phone at 575-376-2246.
