Fair Parade’s Spirit Reigns Over the Drizzle

VENTURA —  There is more than one way to get down Main Street, as scores of marchers, motorcyclists, horseback riders and tractor drivers gleefully proved in Saturday’s Ventura County Fair Parade.

Cloudy skies and a light early morning drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of about 6,000 parade watchers gathered along the 2-mile route for a summertime scoop of Americana.

By the end of the leisurely two-hour procession, clouds lifted and many headed for the rides at Seaside Park.

For Else Saltman, a recent transplant from the San Fernando Valley, the mobile celebration provided just the kind of hometown spirit she expected out of Ventura.

“It’s just great,” she said. “It’s like a slice of middle America, all in one day.”

Saltman’s friend, 45-year-old Cynthia Thompson, said a parade makes everyone feel young.

“‘It goes back to the California when we were kids,” she said.

To be sure, the parade had a strong country flavor.

Local farmers showed off their heritage with a convoy of tractors that included old green John Deeres and powerful yellow Caterpillars.

A Ventura country and western club line-danced along the route.

Cowboy-hatted Dist. Atty. Michael Bradbury traveled on board a horse-drawn wagon.

A posse of sheriff’s officials traded in squad cars for horses.

Others opted for modern transportation: Assemblyman Nao Takasugi (R-Oxnard) waved from the back of a black Mercedes convertible, and numerous other local politicians also went the luxury car route.

Participation was not limited to locals.

Shriners from across Southern California, some dressed as clowns and others riding miniature motorcycles, delighted the audience.

A delegation of visitors from Oxnard’s sister city of Ocotlan, Mexico, rolled down Main Street on the back of a city firetruck.

For many, however, the traditional marching bands were the big attraction.

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The parade brought together about a dozen bands from county schools.

“I thought the Camarillo band was great,” said Sandra Batman of Ventura, who had marched in the annual parade while a Port Hueneme schoolgirl.

She came out early Saturday with her husband, 4-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter, one of many families making themselves comfortable with lawn chairs and refreshment-filled coolers.

Parade organizers said 115 entries and about 1,500 parade participants turned out.

They slowed business at Ventura’s downtown business corridor, but not many seemed to mind.

“Everybody’s spending their money over at the fair,” joked flower store owner Harold Kingston, 82.

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Indeed, the fair midway was jammed throughout the day, largely by parents trying to please eager youngsters.

Long lines formed at rides like the Ghost Pirates tunnel and the whirling Tornado.

“It’s expensive,” said machine shop worker Keith Gear of Ventura, who estimated that a day’s worth of entertainment for himself and two young children would cost $50. “But it’s worth it for them.”

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Getting to the Fair

Departure and arrival times for Metrolink trains to the Ventura County Fair on Saturday and Aug. 17, as well as Aug. 23 and 24. Fares are $8 round trip from Chatsworth, $6 round trip from Simi Valley and Moorpark, and $4 round trip from Camarillo and Oxnard. One-way fares are half that. Children 5 and younger as well as monthly pass holders ride free. Tickets may be purchased the day of travel at train stations, or in advance weekdays at Simi Valley, Moorpark and Camarillo city halls. All stations and trains are wheelchair-accessible. Some southbound trains may depart up to 5 minutes ahead of schedule. For information, call 808-LINK.

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Northbound Chatsworth 10:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 2:45 p.m. Simi Valley 10:45 a.m. 12:01 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Moorpark 11:05 a.m. 12:17 p.m. 3:20 p.m. Camarillo 11:18 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 3:33 p.m. Oxnard 11:35 a.m. 12:45 p.m. 3:50 p.m. Ventura 11:50 a.m. 1:05 p.m. 4:10 p.m.

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Southbound Ventura 12:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 10:25 p.m. Oxnard 1:15 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 10:40 p.m. Camarillo 1:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:53 p.m. 10:55 p.m. Moorpark 1:43 p.m. 6:13 p.m. 8:05 p.m. 11:07 p.m. Simi Valley 2:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:35 p.m. 11:25 p.m. Chatsworth 2:20 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 8:55 p.m. 11:45 p.m.

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Source: Metrolink