CVD plows forward despite 'cancellation'

The Conejo Valley Days that almost wasn't just couldn't be stopped.

A Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and other rides sprang up again this year in Conejo Creek Park South, along with a petting zoo, a fun house, an Elks barbecue, cotton candy and games of chance and skill.

Neither financial nor organizational woes could stop the traditional westernthemed festival, which families have attended for generations, despite the fact that CVD organizers had said the event wouldn't take place this year.

"It wasn't right to not have it. I hope it comes back next year, all of it—the commercial tent, the rodeo, the stage performances— it brings back childhood memories for me," said Margaret Gonzales, who's been attending since she was a 3-year-old in 1998.

Also at the weekend carnival was the Pine family. David and Alicia Pine have been enjoying Conejo Valley Days for five years, ever since they moved to Thousand Oaks, and their children, Charlie, 7, Riley, 5, and Cooper, 2, hardly know life without it.

"Charlie is CVD-obsessed," his mother said.

Riley didn't want her parents to stop and talk. She wanted to go on a ride. On Saturday afternoon, there were no lines or waiting.

"The kids love it. This is the first year Charlie has been old enough to ride the roller coaster, and he's been looking forward to it all year," Alicia Pine said.

Lucky for him, there was a roller coaster. The enthusiastic boy has no idea how close he had come to disappointment.

After the Conejo Valley Activities Corp., the nonprofit that organizes CVD, canceled the event earlier this year, some CVD events started popping up anyway. The Thousand Oaks and Conejo Valley rotary clubs got together and put on a separate Chili Cook-off and Classic Car Show event. The Conejo Model A Ford Club drove their cars down Thousand Oaks Boulevard in an unofficial parade.

Shamrock Shows, the carnival's ride provider for 30 years, suggested it present the carnival this year.

CVD organizers agreed, and the carnival appeared in its usual place at Janss Road and the 23 Freeway—surprising many people. Zonta even had their special kids' day when children who are disabled have the park to themselves and volunteers help them go on rides, play games and enjoy a barbecue lunch.

"We didn't see the usual advertising this year and didn't know it was coming until we saw the rides setting up," Alicia Pine said.

Attendance was down this year, but next year's CVD organizer, Mary Elva Lussier, is already working on 2010 events. She said she hopes all the usual trimmings will be in place and maybe even some extra activities, such as a golf tournament.