This year’s Ridin’ The Centennial 100 years of Rodeo Tradition Grand Marshall and Silver Queen are Victor and Doris Macaluso of Trinidad, Colorado.

Victor was born in 1928 and raised in Trinidad, CO. He graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute. He attended TSJC and Graduated from DU in 1950 with a BS in Business Administration.

Victor was a Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves until the Mid 60’s. His service time was during the Korean War and fortunately was not called to active duty. He served under Dean Mabry and Charlie Wilkinson.

Doris (Mann) was born in Perryton, TX. During the depression her family moved to Pennsylvania to find work. In 1946 her family moved to Raton, NM and then in 1947 to Trinidad. Her father (Kelly Mann) was a saddle maker in the 50’s and had Kelly Mann Saddlery in Trinidad for 3 or 4 years. One of his saddles can be seen in the Trinidad History Museum. Doris graduated from Trinidad High School and attended college at CU.

Victor and Doris were married in 1950 in Trinidad at the First Baptist Church. They have 2 children – Debra (John) Damrell, and Ronald (Pat) Macaluso. 4 grand Children - Amanda Jo (Clint) Hill, Megan Damrell, Katelan Damrell and Ryan (Sarah) Macaluso. 2 great grandchildren – Brittanie and Weston Hill.

In the mid/late 50’s, the Jacey’s wanted to help with a project, so they approached the Trinidad Round-Up Board and their job became to promote the Round-Up and organize the Dances. Angie (Povetti) Sharp, started the “Mustang Fillies” and they would go up and down the streets singing to promote the rodeo. Victor became a member of the Round-Up Association around 1962 and resigned in 1976. He worked with the Trinidad Round-Up Association for 20 years. While on the board, Vic, ran the BBQ, for a couple of years they tried to Cook a Full Steer but then found that is was simpler to have precut meet and cook it in the fire pits that were in Round-Up Park. He remembers the large Bean Kettles and buying a new shovel to stir the beans for the BBQ. When all the food was cooked and ready to serve, the Las Animas County Cowbells would be there to help; Juanita Grimsley, Mima Cummings, Sally Hall and Many more.

Victor served with and remembers several people whom served on the Trinidad Round-Up Association. They include: Dean Mabry, Jack Marty, Bert Bulson, Cleo Jack, Charles Dussart, Lit Sharpe, Mose Russell, Herman Hurling, Vic Maio, John Dutto, Richard Louden, Murphy Hudson, Eldridge Hudson, Mel Langshaw, Barney Tarbino, Don & Jim Cummings & Don Anderson.

Victor and Doris recall SNOW at the rodeo over Labor Day Weekend! Victor took a movie in 1963 or 1964 where the riders were wearing slickers/raincoats while riding. Vic and Dori raised kids in 4-H. They had a town 4-H club called the Rocky Mountain Wranglers. Their 4-H club and the Canyon Cowboys 4-H club used to get together and have square dancing. Victor also took all the pictures at the fair for years and all before digital cameras!

Victor has been teaching Photography at Trinidad State Junior College for 20 plus years and is still teaching. He ran Trinidad Battery for 40 years of the 70 years that it was open and owned by the Macaluso family. Vic and Dori opened “The Family Album” Photo Studio and ran it for many years taking many pictures. They also ran the Fashion Crossroads for their daughter for a short while.

Victor’s activities and groups that he has been and is involved in are:

President of Lions, President of the Jayces, Master of the Masonic AF&AM Lodge 89

Chairman of the Deacons at the First Baptist Church, Several Masonic orders – Eastern Star, White Shrine, Bo Shunt. Volunteer in the Rainbows, Volunteer Children Museum and Volunteer at the Trinidad History Museum.

Doris’s activities and groups that she has been and is involved in are:

Trinidad History Museum for 7 years, Deaconess at the First Baptist Church, ran the Sarsaparilla Saloon and Mustang Fillies. She helped Victor run the family businesses and is a dedicated housewife and business woman.

Vic and Dori wish to congratulate the Trinidad Community for 100 years of Rodeo and good luck to the contestants!