On an occasion of sizzling
temperatures and a cloudless October sky emblematic of an Indian summer,
revelers withstood the Valley heat Saturday while having fun in the sun.
From the 5K runs, to the
pancake breakfast and parade, it was all part of the 29th annual Los Olivos Day
in the Country. The event, sponsored by the Los Olivos Business Organization,
got moving at sunrise with the serving of flapjacks at Grange Hall (with
proceeds going to the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School music program).
A series of runs and a walk,
courtesy of Platinum Performance, welcomed adults and children alike while the
air was still cool. Parents casting long shadows congratulated their kids as
they crossed the finish line.
Vendors’ tents and kiosks
hemmed Grand Avenue, with artists and other businesspersons peddling their
wares to festival-goers. The Santa Ynez Valley Jazz
Band filled the air with music.
Grand marshals Penny and
Joseph Knowles paced the parade, which featured dance troupes, community
groups, vintage farm machinery, horses — and Santa Claus, who found time
to visit without his reindeer. Patrons and celebrants sought refuge amid the
curbside shade while observing the procession.
By late morning, grilled
tri-tip sandwiches were the order of the day as the food court set up shop, a
variety of aromas wafting every which way.
The gala also featured the
annual Apple Pie Contest, followed by musical entertainment from the Agin
Brothers Territorial Law Band in Lavinia Campbell Park. Afterward, the Gary
Foshee Band chimed in.
jluksic@syvjournal.com