Annual Community Celebration Planned

Saturday will be a big day for this small town during the seventh Ojai Day celebration.

Organizers say this year’s event, when residents will have a chance to meet, mingle and have some fun on and around Ojai Avenue, will be the biggest yet.

A similar community celebration began about the turn of the century, though the current version of the festivities became an annual event four years ago, said Jody James, an organizer. A local educator revived the tradition seven years ago, James said.

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a children’s parade. There also will be a children’s play area, a giant slide, pony rides and entertainment by the Magical Moonshine Theatre. A teen area will include a vertical reality rock-climbing wall. More than 60 vendors will display arts and crafts, sell food and provide entertainment.

One of the biggest draws--a salad toss--is expected to occur during a new extension of Ojai Day, called Ojai Night, in Arcade Plaza from 5 to 9 p.m.

“It’s our answer to the chili cook-off,” James said.

For more information, or to enter the salad toss or become involved in other events, call 646-1872.