The Annual Liars’ Contest in Borrego Springs

The American West has long been associated with larger-than-life characters, tales of adventure, and a good old-fashioned love of storytelling. One event that embodies this tradition is the Peg Leg Smith Liars’ Contest, held annually in Borrego Springs, California. The contest, organized by the Committee to Accumulate Curious Tales of Incredibility (CACTI), has been running for over a century, making it the longest ongoing storytelling event in the West.

What About Harry Oliver?

Harry Oliver , a famous desert rat and writer, was passionate about preserving the lore and legends of the Anza-Borrego Desert. One of his most notable contributions was creating and promoting the Peg Leg Smith Liars Contest. The event, held in Borrego Springs since 1916, celebrates the tales of the original “Peg Leg” Smith, a legendary figure known for his incredible stories.

Harry Oliver played a significant role in promoting the legend of Peg Leg. He posted a sign near the corner of Henderson Canyon Road and Pegleg Road in Borrego Springs, inviting those seeking Pegleg’s gold to add ten rocks to the pile. He believed that people would move the rocks from one end of the pile to another, creating a moving monument. Additionally, Harry carved wooden peg legs and hid them throughout the desert, hoping that someone would find them and feel as though they were close to Peg Leg’s famed gold strike.

Thanks to Harry’s efforts, the Peg Leg Smith Liars Contest has become a beloved tradition in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, attracting storytellers from far and wide eager to share their incredible tales and continue the legacy of Peg Leg Smith.

Who is Peg Leg Smith?

Peg Leg Smith (aka Thomas Long Smith) was a real-life mountain man, horse thief, trader, and expert tall-tale-teller. He claimed to have discovered gold in the Anza-Borrego area while en route to Los Angeles to sell pelts from his traps. In his later years, he spent his time in bars, spinning yarns about his lost gold mine and selling maps to gullible people, only to vanish with their money and resurface at the bar to await his next victim.

According to Harry Oliver, Peg Leg Smith was the greatest prevaricator ever.

The Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest

The Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest has become a beloved tradition in Borrego Springs (located inside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park), attracting storytellers from far and wide who are eager to share their own incredible tales and continue the legacy of Peg Leg Smith.

The event is all about having fun, and anyone can participate. Storytellers are given five minutes to share their tales. Judges determine the best stories based on presentation, originality, costumes (if worn), and whether Peg Leg Smith is included in the tale. However, judges will deduct points if a storyteller mistakenly uses the name “Pegleg Pete,” who was not the same person.

The contest welcomes all kinds of stories, as long as they are not too profane. Funny, bizarre, and nonsensical stories are particularly appreciated, and dressing in western-themed attire or tuxedos is always a plus. Some participants choose to incorporate props or perform their stories in character, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the event.

The contest has grown in popularity over the years, attracting not just local residents but also visitors worldwide. It has even inspired similar events in other parts of the country, proving that the love of tall tales and western lore is still alive.