Locals from the valley through Montecito think of Fiesta as an August event, but Fiesta Ranchera at Goleta’s Stow House will bring together people from all over the South Coast June 25 in an early kick off to Old Spanish Days.

 

The Goleta Valley Historical Society and Old Spanish Days are collaborating on the second annual Fiesta Ranchera, a celebration of the shared heritage of the region. Last year’s event saw more than 400 people in attendance enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the property, live music, dancing, drinks and appetizers from local restaurants.

“So many people from out here and Santa Barbara were here; it was an outstanding party,” said Goleta’s mayor Roger Aceves. A former El Presidente of Old Spanish Days, Aceves worked hard to bring the concept to fruition. “We had many in attendance who’d never been to Ranchera La Patera and Stow House, even though we’re just a few miles away. It was a huge success.”

Performances by the 2009 Spirit of Fiesta, the Junior Spirit, Tony Ybarra on Spanish guitar and dancing under the stars to music by Area 51 are all part of the evening.

The party is a community event, and also a fundraiser for Rancho La Patera and Stow House, and Old Spanish Days.

Aceves said people attending the event become more familiar with the early history of the area when they are at one of the places early pioneers of Goleta Valley lived and got together. Built in 1875, the gothic revival Stow House was home to Sherman Stow, his wife, Ida Hollister Stow, and their six children.

Fiesta Ranchera will feature beer from Hollister Brewing Company, wine from Buttonwood Farm, Carina Cellars and Cottonwood Canyon, and food from 16 local restaurants and catering companies including Seasons Catering, Fresco Café North, Country Meat Market, Woody’s BBQ, California Pasta, Ariel Catering, Pepe’s, Coldstone Creamery, the Elks Lodge, SBB Gourmet Catering, Marmalade Café and Trader Joe’s. Margaritas are also on the menu.

Dacia Harwood, Goleta Valley Historical Society’s marketing coordinator and co-chair of Fiesta Ranchera, said she is tremendously excited to have such a festive event right on the grounds of Stow House and Rancho La Patera.

“The opportunity to co-host it with Old Spanish Days in celebration of our community heritage was a wonderful experience last year, and it is sure to be one of Goleta’s signature events years in to the future,” she said.

The founding sponsor, Cox Communications, will again be the prime sponsor, with numerous other businesses and the city of Goleta contributing generously to the success of the event.

Fiesta costumes are encouraged, but people are also invited to come right from work, Harwood said. Rhonda Henderson, a member of the board of Old Spanish Days, is co-chair of Fiesta Ranchera.

The party is 5 – 10 p.m. June 25 from at Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd.

Tickets are available in advance for $55 and also at the door. Advance tickets will be available online through the early afternoon at http://fiestaranchera.eventbrite.com.