Conejo Valley Days Events Heat Up for Weekend

By JASON TERADA

April 19, 1997 12 AM PT

After simmering since mid-March, the activities ushering in Conejo Valley Days are heating up this weekend like the concoctions being prepared for Sunday’s chili cook-off.

Late Friday, the largest grand marshal’s race in the 41-year history of Conejo Valley Days drew to a close, and the winner was crowned after raising the most money for local charities.

Eight individuals and a group of six 11-year-old girls vied for the honor this year. The winner will formally launch events and festivities for the next eight days of the fair.

Today starting at 10 a.m., youngsters up to age 13 will don costumes and perform for judges during the annual Conejo Valley Days Children’s Parade at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

Up to 300 participants--riding floats and ponies, and marching in groups--are expected to compete in the parade, which will follow a half-mile route starting at the Civic Arts Plaza.

“Some sing, some dance and some play the banjo or the guitar,” said Pat Alexander, co-chairperson of the children’s parade.

Awards will be given for the best equestrians, individuals, small and large groups, and civic organizations during the parade.

Things get hotter Sunday during the Conejo Valley Days chili cook-off, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the southeast corner of Conejo Creek Park near Janss Road.

Nearly 40 contestants have been cooking meat, tomatoes and spices for the event, giving their creations names such as Dragonsbreath and Magic Mud. Up to 15,000 people are expected to sample the cook-off’s offerings.

“In competition chili you cannot use pasta or beans . . . it’s all meat, vegetables and spices,” said Mike O’Beirne, who is coordinating the cook-off’s many judges, among them Mayor Judy Lazar and contestants in the grand marshal’s race.

Awards from first to 10th place will be given for the best-tasting chili, and contestants will also be judged for having the best booth decorations and showmanship.

“Showmanship is the fun you have at your booth,” O’Beirne said. “It’s how you entertain the crowds.”

O’Beirne added that cook-off contestants often employ gimmicks such as bands, hawkers and comedians to draw people in to eat their chili.

“There’s all kinds of stuff the chili cooks do,” he said.

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Conejo Valley Days Events

All events held at Conejo Creek Park, Moorpark Freeway and Janss Road, unless otherwise noted. Carnival admission is $5 adults, $3 senior citizens and students, $2 children 6 to 12 and free for children under 6. On all nights except Thursday’s Family Night, receive $1 off admission price for taking shuttle bus from Newbury Park or Thousand Oaks high schools.

SATURDAY

9:30 a.m.: Parade, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

SUNDAY

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Chili Cook-Off and Wiskeroo Contest, Conejo Creek Park ($3 admission plus 50 cents for tickets to taste chili)

WEDNESDAY

5 to 10 p.m.: Carnival opens

6 p.m.: Badgeroo Contest

THURSDAY

Noon: Interservice club luncheon, Joseph’s on the Green, $18

5 to 10 p.m.: Carnival

5 to 10 p.m.: Carnival Family Night, admission is $3 adults, $2 senior citizens and students, $1 children 6 to 12, $5 unlimited ride wristbands

6:45 p.m.: Wild Heart, Main Stage