Best advice for parade-goers: Arrive early
By Steve Holt Steve@theacorn.com

When it comes to the Conejo Valley Days Parade, the early bird catches the worm. For the best seating and parking, arrive before 8 a.m., said Senior Dep. Rick Godfrey of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The parade route is slightly longer this year to accommodate plenty of convenient parking. Starting at 9 a.m. Sat., May 3, the parade will travel west on Thousand Oaks Boulevard from Pierce Arrow to The Lakes shopping center. The parade takes about 30 minutes to travel from start to finish, Godfrey said, so viewers at The Lakes won't see much until 9:30 a.m.

The best parking will be available in the shopping centers on Thousand Oaks Boulevard on the north side of the street, west of Westlake Boulevard, and in the Civic Arts Plaza parking structure. Access to both will be limited, however, because T.O. Boulevard will be closed to traffic.

Motorists can enter the shopping centers from Westlake Boulevard near Ralphs supermarket. The parking garage at the Civic Arts Plaza will be accessible from the west throughout the morning, and would be a good choice for those who aren't early risers.

Godfrey had other advice for parade attendees.

It can be chilly until the sun has been up for a while, so sweatshirts or jackets might be a good idea until the temperature heats up. And bring water and sunscreen, Godfrey said.

For those who aren't afraid of a little exercise, there's ample parking on the streets north of T.O. Boulevard and south of Hillcrest Drive. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Two viewing areas will provide narrators on public address systems. They'll be located at the Do-it Center, 3775 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., and at The Lakes. The latter site will also include first come, first served bleacher seating.

Godfrey said another good viewing area is near the post office, where spectators can sit under shade trees.

For those who aren't near restaurants or coffee shops, a Thermos of hot coffee and some snacks might be a good idea.

But please, no noisemakers, said Godfrey. Loud sounds can spook horses, and nobody wants a runaway horse at a parade, he said.