Conejo Valley Days bids farewell to parade, rodeo
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

At age 51, Conejo Valley Days is getting a facelift and the change is going to be dramatic.

Gone are the rodeo and the parade. Those two events have been permanently canceled to save money and bring more value to the Conejo Valley Days admission price, said Jean Duffy, CVD 2007 general chairperson.

Organizers are planning to fill what had been the rodeo arena with entertainment events such as motocross, a dirt bike competition with riders doing flips and tricks, and a variety of other popular performances, she said.

"We are proud of the traditions and history, but we have to change things to keep things fresh and exciting," Duffy said.

Parade costs, which include paying for law enforcement, buses for school bands and other necessities, are high. If a parade sponsor came forward to take over the costs, that would make a difference, she said.

Sergio Sepe, Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks president, would love to see that happen. He hopes someone approaches city hall and gets the city of Thouand Oaks to take charge of the parade.

"I hope the parade comes back-I think the parade is good for the city," he said.

The parade has been one of the Kiwanis Club's annual activities. The group's members work to support many local charities.

Supporting nonprofits is what Conejo Valley Days is all about: The money made goes back to charities, Duffy said.

That's why the committee has been so diligent, meeting almost weekly since July, to research demographics, past attendance and revenues, she said.

"Over the years, our attendance and revenues have been increasing," Duffy said. "Now we have the ability to make it even greater than it is and attract people from Ventura and the Valley."

Duffy, a 22-year Thousand Oaks resident, has worked 11 years at Conejo Valley Days as chairperson of the ticket booths run by the Soroptimist Club of the Conejo Valley. She's also been the off-site chairperson and on-site chairperson.

Many things will not change. There will still be the Chili Cook-off with the Whiskeroo contest, Tiny Tots Pageant, grand marshal race, kick-off picnic, carnival rides, the big commercial tent and the Battle of the Bands.

Additional gourmet food concessions might be added this year. Parking should be easier, too, Duffy said.

The very popular wristband for unlimited rides that previously had been restricted to a couple of family nights is expected to be available for every night of the five-day carnival, she said. With this year's Conejo Valley Days to be held from May 2 to 6, Saturday will have a Cinco de Mayo focus.

"Our focus is on families," Duffy said. "We want them to be able to come for more than just one night."

Another improvement being considered is having tickets sold in advance by PTAs and booster clubs as fundraising opportunities, she said.

"I love Conejo Valley Days- the rides, the big tent, the food- but my favorite part is how a group of nonprofits come together to put on this festival," Duffy said.