Local Causes Cheer Conejo Days Crowds

Attendance at Conejo Valley Days is soaring, and so are organizers’ hopes of topping last year’s earnings from this city’s annual spring bash.

So far, more than 11,800 people have streamed through the fairground gates, up 30% over the same period last year.

“We are looking for a banner year,” said Tom Hartin, general chairman of Conejo Valley Days. “We hope to surpass last year, which was one of the most successful [events] ever.”

Last year, the weeklong festival attracted more than 50,400 people and raised about $95,000 for local charities and service groups.

Not until Sunday night, when the carnival closes, will organizers tally ticket and concession sales.

But volunteers, hawking everything from hot dogs to deep-fried artichoke hearts, said that sales are up--and that means more money for those local causes.

For many organizations, Conejo Valley Days is the biggest fund-raiser of the year.

“It is life-saving,” said Joyce Howe, a member of the parents club of Job’s Daughters, a youth service group whose members were selling fried vegetables dipped in batter.

Perry Harding, a cub master running the ring toss booth for Boy Scout Troop 799, said the carnival makes a big difference in the number of activities each troop can plan.

Last year, Troop 799 raised nearly $1,000 which it used to buy camping equipment.

Organizers attribute their success so far to sunny skies and Thursday night’s special admission prices for families.

While it’s too late to take advantage of cut-rate ticket prices--they go back to full price this weekend--the sunny weather is expected to continue. National Weather Service forecasters are predicting clear skies and highs in the 90s.

“Put on sunscreen and bring your best cowboy hat,” Hartin said.

But party perfect weather also means greater crowds, organizers cautioned. Parking lots at Conejo Creek Park may fill up as early 8 p.m.

A free shuttle will ferry people from Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park high schools to the fairgrounds. Riders will save $1 on admission.

On Friday, more than 320 special education students from elementary schools throughout the Conejo Valley took advantage of the sunny weather and were given free rein of the fairgrounds without the hassle of the crowd.

“For many of them this is the first time they have ever been to any kind of carnival site,” said Jody Brown, chairwoman of the event. “So it is overwhelmingly exciting for them.”

Faced with a choice between a Kawasaki police motorcycle--all glimmer and gadgetry--and the mild-mannered, but towering, patrol horse, William Hnatio wasn’t sure where to head first.

After sitting on both--compliments of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in Thousand Oaks--the 10-year-old said he favored the horse.

“This is more cool,” he said from atop it. “It’s higher and you are more in control.”

But most children--especially the boys--were obsessed with the instruments on the motorcycles.

“It kills people’s ears,” said 8-year-old Devon Simmons after blowing the siren. “That would be rad if I could do that all the time.”

Each child was escorted through the maze of children’s rides by a volunteer. This year, more teens than ever decided to help out with the event, Brown said.

“It’s great,” said 16-year-old Erin Thompson, a junior at Thousand Oaks High School “I like being able to help.”

After a morning on the rides, her 4-year-old charge, Amanda Townsend, couldn’t decide what to do next.

“I like all of them,” she proclaimed.

Eleven-year-old Laritta Nickerson had no such problems.

The merry-go-round and a contraption that spins its riders in larger-than-life, apple-shaped cars were her favorites.

“Nothing makes me dizzy . . .,” she boasted. “If I just lay down in bed for an hour.”

Conejo Valley Days

Events and Entertainment

DETAILS

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

* WHEN: Noon to midnight today, 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: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

* CALL: CVD hotline information, 371-8730.

SCHEDULE

TODAY

* 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, ages 3 to 8, dress up in their western best.

* Clog dancers, 5 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 offering prizes and giveaways.

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

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

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

* Camarillo-based Tropical Taste Band plays Hawaiian-country music, 4 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.