Here’s the history of La Fiesta del Triunfo Ball

The gala event known today as La Fiesta del Triunfo Ball had its origins in 1965 when 400 members of the Conejo Valley Historical Society gathered at the Rancho Conejo Airport Hangar, where two citizens of the young city of Thousand Oaks would be voted as Don and Dona Triunfo and reign over the Spanish Costume Ball, Buffalo Barbecue and the Last Great Stagecoach Race.

What united these individuals was their desire to preserve the heritage of the Conejo Valley by saving the Stagecoach Inn. Guy Runnion, then-owner and editor of the local newspaper, suggested the election of a Don and Dona Triunfo—at 10 cents per ballot cast. At the first ball—where the hangar was decorated with orange and white parachutes, roses and piñatas— the Don and Dona were unveiled during the event.

Staged annually, the ball celebrates long-time area residents as well as newcomers, offers a chance for residents to relive the area’s Spanish heritage, and provides an opportunity to recognize two citizens with a history of outstanding community service as Don and Dona Triunfo.

This year’s ball will be on the museum grounds. Over the years it’s been staged at estate properties in Hidden Valley and Lake Sherwood, the Malibou Lake Clubhouse in Agoura, The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks, Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Westlake Village and elsewhere.

Each year the unifying theme of the gala event remains the same: individuals interested in preserving the Conejo Valley’s heritage gather to raise funds to support the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park and to salute the achievements of the Don and Dona, selected for their outstanding support and volunteer work.