Community Spirit On Parade

Streaming through downtown on foot, horseback, floats and muscle cars, a cavalcade of community groups brought small-town spirit to Thousand Oaks during Saturday’s Conejo Valley Days Parade.

Marching bands played. Denim-clad politicians waved.

And many spectators along Thousand Oaks Boulevard said the annual cowboy-theme procession represents the very best of life in this semirural suburb.

“It really makes it feel like we’re all part of the same community,” said John Grabowsky, who staked out a shady curbside spot for himself, his 18-year-old daughter and his 6-year-old son.

“I don’t come down here expecting to see the Rose Parade,” said Grabowsky, a Westlake resident. “I expect to see community spirit, and that’s what you get.”

Pointing to a YMCA float packed with cowboys and cowgirls dancing to disco music, he added, “It’s not the prettiest thing in the world, but there’s a lot of happy people on it.”

This year’s sun-soaked parade boasted the traditional procession of local politicians, pompom girls and school bands moving slowly past the crowd of about 20,000 lined up in front of dozens of mom-and-pop shops along the city’s oldest commercial corridor.

City Councilwoman Elois Zeanah, for instance, waved from the back of a sporty red convertible. Councilwoman Linda Parks traveled the mile-long route on horseback.

But it was some newcomers--namely, characters from Club Disney in Westlake--who proved to be the most popular with the kids.

Six-year-old Casey Levins did not hesitate when asked to identify his favorite cowboy.

“Woody!” he yelled as a life-sized version of the animated “Toy Story” star horsed around on a float with Buzz Lightyear, another Disney character.

Casey’s grandfather, Fred Levins, said members of his family have either marched in or watched the Conejo Valley Days Parade each spring for the past 26 years.

“There’s always something new,” Fred Levins said. “It’s gotten bigger, of course, and now we don’t know everybody in it. . . . We just love it. We’ve been coming here all these years.”

Parade Chairman Harry James joked that Saturday’s early morning earthquake aftershocks ensured that parade participants got up bright and early for the 9 a.m. start. The aftershocks caused no problems for the 115 entrants, he said.

In fact, James said, conditions were near-perfect, with the only problems being a couple of cars that overheated in the 85-degree weather. “I wanted parade-friendly weather,” James said. “That’s exactly what I got.”

The summery weather continued throughout Saturday’s Conejo Valley Day activities, which included a rodeo, bingo and several concerts. The festival ends today.

Many took advantage of the balmy weather to work on their tans.

Cowboy-hatted Diane Jenkins, for instance, was one of many onlookers whose dress was a mix of beach and western wear. She moved to Thousand Oaks from Los Angeles several years ago, seeking a less hectic lifestyle.

“When I lived in L.A., they didn’t have things like this,” she said. “People would be afraid to sit on the streets for fear of getting shot. . . . Here it’s rural, clearer, safer.”

Across the street, Kobi Goren watched the parade from his auto parts store, letting onlookers come in and use his restroom during the lengthy procession. He didn’t mind that Thousand Oaks Boulevard was shut down for the morning, shortening his business day.

“Maybe I won’t do business for three hours, but it’s very important for the community,” Goren said. “It’s worth every second.”

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Conejo Valley Day Events

All events are 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. Tonight, receive $1 off the admission price for taking the shuttle bus from Newbury Park or Thousand Oaks high school.

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Today

Noon to 8 p.m.: Carnival

Noon to 6 p.m.: Western pit barbecue, $6 adults, $4.50 children.

Noon to 8 p.m.: Bingo

1 and 4 p.m.: Rodeo

1 p.m.: Paul Delay Band, main stage

3 p.m.: Bruce Brothers Band, main stage.

5 p.m.: Flattop Tom and His Jumpcats, main stage.