Conejo Valley Days to feature new events
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers EYE-CATCHING- Westlake Village resident Mo Rashad, right, and T.O. resident Joe Baros inspect a 1980 Clenet owned by Ron Garman. The automobile was on display Saturday at the Conejo Valley Days Kickoff Picnic and Car Show at the Civic Arts Plaza. The vehicle was originally built as a gift from actor Lee Majors to his then wife, Farrah Fawcett.

Newcomers, old-timers and those in the middle come together during Conejo Valley Days, where organizers strive to have something for everyone and where tribute is paid to the area's heritage and its future.

Ten new carnival rides include a big roller coaster. Inside the gates will be a tent just for young people to hang out, dance, listen to bands, play video games and be themselves.

There will also be bingo games that might be more pleasing for the older crowd.

The popular carnival-ride wristbands, typically sold only on Wednesday and Thursday nights during CVD, will be available all five days.

Along with the barbecue dinners and other foods that have become a tradition over the years, firstyear concessions will be featured in the new food court area.

There will still be the petting zoo and also a free show with animal performances.

Those who've been going regularly over the years will feel right at home, and organizers are hoping they'll like the improvements.

Conejo Valley Days began in the 1940s. Over the years it's become an annual spring event where people of all ages can get together, have a good time and know that proceeds help more than 30 local clubs and charities that serve the community.

The 51st annual Conejo Valley Days officially kicked off last Saturday with a picnic and classic car show at the Civic Arts Plaza. The five-day main event goes from Wed., May 2 through Sun., May 6 at Conejo Creek Park South near the 23 Freeway and Janss Road.

New this year, as part of CVD's Cinco de Mayo celebration, will be the Conejo's Best Homemade Salsa Challenge from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sat., May 5. For more information, call (805) 3798130.

And for many people who enjoy chili and maybe a little cold beer, the CVD annual Chili Cookoff on Sun., April 29 is a can'tmiss event.

Improvements to the CVD parade route will make the Civic Arts Plaza parking lot available for the first time to parade-goers. Bleachers will also be set up in front of The Lakes for those who don't want to sit on the curb or bring their own lawn chairs. A post-parade festival with bands that performed in the parade providing music will also take place at The Lakes.

ConejoX Motocross will be back to perform their daring stunts in the CVD arena- in a new area away from nearby homes.

Once again the Zonta Club of Conejo Valley Area will host a Special Kids Day event for about 350 developmentally challenged children. The youngsters, to be escorted around the Conejo Valley Days fairgrounds by a volunteer, will have the carnival to themselves and will be treated to a day of rides.

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