Families Flock to Annual Bash in Camarillo

Kids screamed with delight as the Ferris wheel turned. Moms shopped until they almost dropped. Dads stood in awe of the classic cars.

Drawing hundreds of locals and visitors Sunday, the Camarillo Fiesta and Street Fair had a little something for everyone. On the last day of the weekend festival, crowds packed Ventura Boulevard to enjoy the citywide party.

“You see people you know, and you meet people you didn’t know,” said resident Billie Jean Valenzano, who began attending the annual event more than a decade ago. “It’s just fun.”

Valenzano, 33, sent her husband and daughter off to the rides while she shopped for crafts and clothes.

One of her first stops, though, was for a tattoo design applied with henna oil, which temporarily stains the skin. She requested a feminine ankle design, and asked tattoo artist Ishmial to go to work.

But for Ishmial, who also sold small handmade drums, it didn’t seem too much like work.

“I really feel a deep spiritual connection to it,” said the 35-year-old Santa Barbara resident. “This is one of the oldest art forms.”

The pair chatted, enjoying the music wafting through the air, as Ishmial painted spirals and dots on Valenzano’s ankle. After that, she was off to shop.

For 9-year-old Bryan Medlen, the festival was all about rides and games. Along with his three friends, Bryan managed to hit every ride at the fair and play most of the games.

“Going on the rides is one of the most fun things,” said Bryan, adding that the Yo-Yo swing ride was his favorite.

But after the rides, it was time for a bite to eat.

Tri-tip sandwiches, “elephant ears” and cotton candy were among the most popular items at the fiesta.

Two stages featured country and bluegrass bands that didn’t have to work much to get the crowd clapping and dancing.

Young animal lovers could spend $2 at a small petting zoo, where a baby pony, goats and pigs awaited attention.

A few steps away, a dozen classic cars lined the street as festival goers wandered by, admiring the bright colors and nostalgic designs. A yellow and green 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air sported the license plate “RMBR WEN.”

“I’d love to have one sitting in my garage,” said Cliff Moore of Camarillo. “It’s primo.”

Moore, 53, spent the day relaxing in Old Town Camarillo with his wife and grandson. He said he likes to attend the annual event to participate in local activities.

“It’s kind of a small-town community,” he said.

“We’ve been here since 1977. It’s been a nice place for our kids to grow up.”

Merchants along Ventura Boulevard were happy to have their street lined with fiesta goers.

Cheryl Spencer’s Yellow House Antiques store was filled with shoppers throughout the weekend, although she said she didn’t sell much more than usual.

“People found us that didn’t know we’re down here,” said Spencer.

“I’ve seen more people here than last year.”