Above: 1939 Frontier Days Program, Dusty Whitney Collection 2019-0001-0084
Lee Perscio Jr. has been a long time participant in the Willits Frontier Days Celebration. At the age of 2 Persico's photo appeared on the official program for Frontier Days. After the event the Willits News declared, "Lee Persico Jr. A Big Hit at Frontier Days Celebration." The paper noted "Thousands viewed the Wild West program. . . The plucky little cowboy went through his trick riding performance each day of the show." (Frontier Days Newspaper Notes, Willits News July 1938)
The following year Lee earned notoriety as a trick rider to a larger audience, and was heralded as the "World's Youngest Cowboy."
Lee Persico Jr. continues to serve as a Frontier Days Board Member. In 2019 when the Mendocino County Museum showed its exhibit on Frontier Days Persico generously consulted with staff and volunteers to offer his insight into the historic event.