Michelle and Don Baptista, the new owners of Brentwood Feed, threw a party last Saturday and a whole buncha' people came. The occasion was the Grand Re-opening of the Baptista's newest venture. The event ran most of the day and was complete with pony rides, a petting zoo and vendor booths manned by representatives of the feed companies that support Brentwood Feed and our local animal community.

The Baptistas have been in charge for several months now and have retained most of the original suppliers. The shop remains a Gold Member Purina dealer as well as stocking Land-O-Lakes products. They've added the feed products of the Elk Grove Milling Company. Professional Choice wraps and pads are newly available at Brentwood Feed, as is a device called the Heel-O-Matic, a training device for team roping. Buckaroo Leather products are another new line offered at the store.

Since Don and Michelle own their own horses (both ropers and pleasure quarter horses) and a ranch out on Bixler Road, they recognized the need to offer ranch equipment in addition to the feed products. They are master dealers for the Hawkins panels and gates and they have an offering of stall and barn-aisle mats.

The Baptistas plan to continue the tradition of offering vendor clinics and presentations as well as placing a new emphasis on the 4-H kids and their projects. Special clinics will be offered to the 4-H clubs during the winter in preparation for the spring projects leading up to the county fair. Presentations by an equine dentist as well as an equine chiropractor are also in the planning stage.

All of this equine stuff doesn't mean that they are ignoring the other animals in the community. Dogs and cats will be well supplied as well as a new emphasis on birds. Livestock, including chickens, will receive their fair share of attention under the new ownership as well.

Helping the Baptistas make the transition from the previous ownership are longtime employees Megan Head and Carol Ginnoccio. According to Michelle, these two have been a huge help as well as have the two new faces, Ryanne and Wayne. Don and Michelle have three daughters, all involved in 4-H and Gymkhanna, so life is very busy indeed in the Baptista household!

Folks from the Someday Ranch in Knightsen manned one of the exhibitor tents at the open house. They are sponsoring a Saddle Up and Ride For Children day at Round Valley Park on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This activity will benefit the children of St. Jude Children's Hospital. Donations can be made at Someday Ranch or at the park on the day of the ride. Additional information is available at 584-1976 or through e-mail at somedayranch@comcast.net.

On your way to Round Valley Park, stop in at Brentwood Feed and say hi to Don and Michelle Baptista. They're looking forward to serving the community!