Trendy New Concessions, Bigger, Better Rides Are in Store at Conejo Valley Days

Never mind the snow cones, hot dogs and the merry-go-round.

Now there’s Cappuccino Blast, Steak-in-a-Sack and the Moon Raker--a stomach-churning carnival contraption that suspends riders upside-down for a heart-thumping 10 seconds.

Welcome to Conejo Valley Days 1996, the 40th annual celebration of Thousand Oaks’ western roots, which kicks off tonight.

This year, organizers are hoping to lure the masses not only with old-fashioned pony rides and cotton candy, but with trendy new concessions, bigger and better rides, and behind-the-scenes technological innovations.

“We are wearing new boots,” said Tom Hartin, general chairman of Conejo Valley Days.

Translation: “We are getting more sophisticated.”

For the second year in a row, Ed’s Expresso Express will be serving up iced latte and cafe mocha, while Miss Conejo Valley Days Pageant organizers will be peddling a new creamy coffee concoction, the Cappuccino Blast.

Sarah’s House, a home for unwed mothers in Simi Valley, will offer new fruit-filled croissants. As for Steak-in-a-Sack, don’t ask until you get there.

“I’m not sure what it is,” Hartin said. “But I am going to have to try it.”

Competing with Moon Raker for the hottest new additions will be Aladdin, a simulated magic carpet ride.

Also new are Oh Shoot, Gravitron, the 4 X 4 and a scarier-than-ever Haunted House. But don’t bother asking about that either.

“I can’t tell you what’s in it,” carnival owner Joe Blash said. “That would ruin the surprise.”

A few new attractions have been added to the classic mix of games as well.

In addition to the ring toss and dime pitch, there will be Hockey Shoot, a new game catering to the increasing number of Thousand Oaks teenagers playing roller hockey.

Several local teams are running food booths this year to raise money to attend a national tournament in Chicago, Hartin said.

Music for the western-themed celebration has also taken a turn. This year’s country performers won’t make an appearance until the last day, while rock will reign throughout the weekend.

This year, Conejo Valley Days organizers sold space along the fence surrounding Conejo Creek Park to advertisers the likes of GTE and Saturn, a division of General Motors.

The move has been heavily debated among organizers, said Pete Turpel, executive director of the Conejo Valley Days steering committee.

“We have tried to stay away from making it too commercial,” Turpel said. “But the way things are today, and as a nonprofit, we need to ensure that we use every tool possible to [raise money] and ensure that this event is a success.”

But despite attempts to keep the celebration hip enough for newcomers who know little of Thousand Oaks’ rural past, the flavor of an old-time carnival will still prevail, Hartin said.

“That’s never going to go away,” Hartin said.

“We have a merry-go-round and bumper cars and the Twister that always make a carnival a carnival.”

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Conejo Valley Days

Events and Entertainment

DETAILS

* WHERE: Conejo Creek Park, Moorpark Freeway and Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

* WHEN: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

* COST: Events free with admission to the fair: adults, $5; students and senior citizens, $4; children 6 to 12, $3; children under 6, free.

* GETTING THERE: Fair-goers can save $1 off admission by riding a free shuttle bus from Thousand Oaks or Newbury Park high schools. Buses depart hourly from both schools: 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

* CALL: CVD hotline information, 371-8730.

SCHEDULE

TODAY

* Fair opens, 5 p.m.

* Badgeroo Contest, 6 p.m. Contestants of all ages dress in western costumes and display their collection of western-themed badges from previous Conejo Valley Days.

THURSDAY

* Family Night, save $2 off each admission or buy a $6 ticket for unlimited rides.

* Best Dressed Western Contest for men, women and children age 5 and older, 6:30 p.m. Contestants must arrive at the main stage by 6 p.m. For early registration, call 497-3800.

* Raymond Michael in “Elvis--the Legend,” 8:30 p.m. Following Michael’s performance will be local blues bands the Rocket Science and Randy Rich & the Ravens.

FRIDAY

* Special Kids Day. Volunteers are needed to help about 300 disabled children invited to enjoy the fair at 10 a.m., before the doors open to the public. For details, call 492-2238.

* Junior Rodeo, noon, in the rodeo arena.

* Bingo, 5 to 10 p.m. (also 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday).

* Local blues group, the Rick Ambrose Band, 7 p.m.

* A night of classic rock music begins at 8 p.m. with local band the Big Ugly Dummies.

* Canned Heat headlines at 9 p.m.

* Local group Side Show takes the stage at 10:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

* Conejo Valley Days Parade, 9 a.m. Grand Marshal Harvey “Boothill” Bollinger leads the floats, clowns and marching bands down Thousand Oaks Boulevard from the post office at Duesenberg Drive to Erbes Road.

* Western Pit Barbecue, noon to 6 p.m. (also Sunday).

* Rodeos, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. (also 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday) in the rodeo arena.

* Tiny Tot Children’s Pageant, 3 p.m. Children age 3 to 8 dress up in their western best.

* Clog dancers, 5 p.m.

* Camarillo-based Tropical Taste Band plays Hawaiian music, 6 p.m.

* Warner Sankman, traditional folk and country troubadour, 7 p.m.

* The Monte Carlos perform rock oldies, 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

* Family Country Fun Day: a mix of traditional, Top 40 and original country music, with KHAY radio personalities with prizes and giveaways.

* Ralph Payne and Trouble perform Top 40 country tunes, 1 p.m.

* Midnight Train, contemporary and original country music, 3 p.m.

* Kathy Bailey’s Country in Motion performing dance troupe, 2 p.m.

* Caught Red Handed plays Top 40 and traditional country songs, 4:30 p.m.

* The Phillip Norris Band, rock and country, 6 p.m.