Hoos'gow Day
Friday, March 28, 2008
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown San Juan Capistrano
Hoos’gow Day is a San Juan tradition! Bringing
a taste of the Wild, Wild West back to San Juan Capistrano, the
“Sheriff” and “Deputies” of the Fiesta Association dressed in
their traditional black and white western wear roam the city in
search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing western wear watch
out – you might just be roped into the fun! The Deputies “arrest”
anyone not dressed in western attire, or any man who is clean-shaven.
However, the rules often change to suit the sheriff
or his over- zealous deputies out to fill the jail. There’s plenty
of wild western whooping and hollering’ going on as gunslingers
fill the streets shooting in celebration. (Don’t worry; our gunslingers
are all friendly, OC Sheriff approved, and only shooting blanks).
The penalty for noncompliance is being thrown into the hoos’gow.
Jail sentences are short for those who can make “bail” by purchasing
a Fiesta Association souvenir. “Bail” money is used to defray
the costs of the parade. For more information
call (949) 493-1976.
