Community needs the CVD Parade, but the parade also needs the community
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

The call went out to youth sports organizations, community institutions and every other group that keeps Thousands Oaks children and adults busy on Saturdays: Take off the morning of May 5 to help protect a valuable community tradition.

The request came from from T.O. Councilmember Dennis Gillette, urging every organization, every institution to get behind and truly support the Conejo Valley Days Parade.

A former CVD chairperson who's stayed involved with the event for 40 years, Gillette recalled how in years past residents would organize their schedules to include Conejo Valley Days events. Youth groups and other organizations would plan to participate, making sure they didn't schedule conflicting events.

"A note to remind people, especially new residents to the community, what Conejo Valley Days is- it's a fundraiser to raise money for nonprofits," Mayor Andy Fox said.

The money raised by the volunteer Conejo Valley Days organizers goes to local charities in Thousand Oaks and is often the major source of funding for groups that provide care for children in need, the disabled or the elderly in the Conejo Valley.

The $15,000 cost of the parade took money from the charities that organizers couldn't afford to spend this year. Aviara Real Estate came forward and offered to provide the $15,000 so local schoolchildren could have a showcase for their marching bands and other organizations could present and celebrate their accomplishments.

The need came to light after six citizens requested the council find some way of providing for the Conejo Valley Days parade to continue, said Cynthia Ross, assistant to the city manager.

"We've all heard the news that it looks as though we're going to have a parade, and I think everything is going to go ahead as it should," Ross said. "I know each of you will enjoy being a member of the parade."

Claudia Billde la Peña expressed gratitude that the parade was saved, but noted the rodeo won't return.

Ross said it was because of the high cost. Conejo Valley Days organizers said the rodeo cost $60,000 and hadn't been well attended.

It was replaced by motocross racing, an event considered more of a crowd-pleaser.

Bill-de la Peña thanked the Kiwanis, the Rotary, the CVD volunteers and Barbara Kloster, a 70-year-old grandmother who would not give up on the parade.

"There will be a parade. . . . We have some particulars to figure out. We don't have a check yet, but there will be a parade," CVD 2007 general chairperson Judy Duffy said. "Our efforts aren't over yet. I'm here to ask for the support of the community to come to the parade, to be in the parade and to make this parade the great event that it should be. So, I hope to see you there."