Residents Spice Up Their Lives at Conejo Valley Day
Photos by Jann Hendry

GOOD EATS- Thousand Oaks resident Marcc Ellen enjoys his favorite chili, called "Big Wooden Spoon" at the annual Conejo Valley Days Chili Cook-off. The event took place Sunday at Conejo Creek Park South. STIR IT UP- Judiann Rose Dakoske of T.O. whips up a hot pot of Cincinnati-style chili. The CVD event attracts serious chili chefs who compete in national contests. FOCUS- Simi Valley resident David Burley lines up to throw a horseshoe during a game at the Chili Cook-off at Conejo Creek Park. The event attracted a large crowd. RIDING IN STYLE- Zackary Lown, 5, a Roots and Wings Preschool student, gets a ride in his red wagon as he cools down with a frozen lemonade treat. The CVD Chili Cook-off is a family event. HATS AND BADGES- Walnut Elementary School first-grader Chloe White, 7, left, and her sister, Ava, 4, proudly wear their 2007 Conejo Valley Days Chili Cook-off badges. Conejo Valley Days continues with the annual parade on T.O. Boulevard this Saturday. The carnival runs through Sunday. DOUBLE DUTY- Simi Valley resident Dustin Briggs manages to get a taste of chili while carrying his 6-month-old daughter Ivy. The weather this year was perfect.