Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge this week is Events.

Definition:  a thing that happens, especially one of importance.

— A planned occasion or activity (such as a social gathering)

— Each of several particular contests making up a sports competition

I had a pretty event-full May, so I was absolutely ready for this challenge!

However, completely by chance — while I was having trouble getting myself going this morning — I happened to see on the local noon news that the National Pony Express Association had begun its annual Re-Ride of the Pony Express Trail in Old Sacramento at 10 AM.  I did some quick Googling and discovered they would be changing horses on Sutter Street in Folsom around 2:00, so I headed over to check it out.

It wasn’t at all surprising that Folsom would be a part of this Event; I think I’ve mentioned before that their History Museum includes an exhibit on the brief but exciting story of Pony Express.  (My Flickr album of photos from visiting the museum are here.)  And Sutter Street has historical reminders in all sorts of places, including on the pavement right under your feet.

When I arrived, the relief rider was mounted and preparing to go, but everyone was waiting for the riders to arrive from Sacramento.  You can see the round Pony Express plaque on the front of this building, which was the Wells Fargo assay office back in Gold Rush days.

There was a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered, along with several police officers and members of the National Pony Express Association (Facebook link).

All the real excitement began when the first-leg riders came galloping up the street!

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The modern-day Pony Express riders are carrying a GPS device, so anyone interested can track their progress as they ride across the country on their way to St. Joseph, Missouri.

Riders pose for the photographer