The show goes on for Conejo Valley Days
This year's carnival begins April 30
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

Conejo Valley Days has new tents, a new look and lots of surprises this year.

"It seems like everything is pulling together," volunteer CVD chair Marty Campbell said.

A few months ago, at a Thousand Oaks City Council meeting, she wouldn't have imagined things would ever be going this well.

With a big CVD cowboy hat in hand, Campbell was asking the council for seed money. It wasn't easy, as Councilmember Andy Fox asked if her nonprofit group planned to pay it back. She said the charity organization did not plan to pay it back, but still got $15,000 from the city and another $15,000 from the Conejo Recreation and Park District.

With that money and funds solicited from other sponsors, CVD is introducing a slew of new attractions and entertainment to the five-day festival, Campbell said. It's set for April 30 through May 4 at Conejo Creek Park South, off the Janss Road exit of the 23 Freeway, she said.

The main stage and arena will feature headliner Micky Dolenz of the Monkees. Other entertainers, bands and family shows will take the stage every night from Wednesday through Saturday and throughout the day on Sunday.

The entertainment will include a Battle of the Bands on the community stage just inside the front entrance. On Sunday, the Extreme Canines Stunt Dogs Show will be at the fair again.

The KidZone will feature children's entertainment including a magician, music for youngsters and storytelling.

The community tent, a new addition, will feature historical artifacts from the Conejo Valley, a photo gallery and a children's drawing contest.

Fire Your Imagination will offer ceramic rabbits for children to paint and enter into a Best Painted Rabbit competition in the community tent.

The CVD Kickoff Picnic and Classic Car Show will be Sat., April 19 at The Lakes shopping center. Next up is the Final Countdown for the Grand Marshal Race, which takes place Fri., April 25 at the Goebel Senior Center. The CVD Chili Cook-Off is Sun., April 27, at Conejo Creek Park South.

The five-day festival begins Wed., April 30. Special Kids' Day, when the carnival site is open only for children with special needs, will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fri., May 2. The CVD Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Sat., May 3 on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

In a Nutshell

South, 23 Freeway and Janss Road,

will be open from 5 to 10 p.m.

on Wed., April 30 and Thurs., May 1; from 5 p.m. to midnight on Fri., May 2;

noon to midnight on Sat., May 3;

and noon to 8 p.m. on Sun., May 4. Admission is $10 for those ages 13 and

over, $5 for youth ages 6 to 12,

and free for children under age 6. Students with valid ID and seniors over

age 60 are $6. On Sun., May 4 seniors

will be charged $4 for admission. Also on Sunday, active duty military and

one guest will get in free with valid ID.