The 46th annual Old Santa Ynez Day celebration sponsored by Santa Ynez Elks Lodge 2640 will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Santa Ynez.

According to historical records, Old Santa Ynez Day was originally called Tortilla Days. While the Elks now sponsors the event, it was started by the Los Amigos De Santa Ynez on June 22, 1962. The event wasn’t renamed until June 1976 and it continues to be one of the Valley’s best-known and most-attended events.

As in years past, the day will feature numerous booths displaying everything from fine art to meteorites from Argentina and North West Africa. Bob Kelly will display his 1916 Stover 22 engine and People Helping People will be selling Cow Chip Bingo deeds. There will be something for everyone from food, arts and crafts, kids’ game, curios, dancing and a parade.

The entertainment begins at 10 a.m. with a presentation of folk dancing performed by the Santa Ynez School Folklorical Unico followed by the parade down Sagunto Street at 11 a.m.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal is John Crocket. Crockett, who has been involved with Santa Ynez Days for many years, will be driving a Fjord horse owned by local carriage enthusiast Susie Snow. The wagon he will be driving is a Bronson wagon which he built 18 years ago. Crockett designed his wagon after the authentic Bronson wagon on display in the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society’s Parks-Janeway Carriage House. Crockett is an accomplished carriage driver and a member of the Santa Ynez Valley Carriage Association.

There will be kid’s games and more folk dancing to follow with cash prizes for the “ Tortilla Toss,” followed by “Quick Draw” and the “Watermelon Eating Contest.” There will be music throughout the day provide by the T-Bone Ramblers.

Remember to purchase an Old Santa Ynez Day badge and prevent a trip to the Old Santa Ynez Day “Jail.”

Advertisement

All proceeds from this event go to the Lodge charities and Valley grade schools.

This year’s sponsors include Rio Vista Chevrolet, Valley Oaks Printing and Krazy Country Radio.

“This is truly a day to enjoy the wonderful place we live and the people that make the Valley so special,” said Mike Carricaburu, event organizer. “But we really need more parade entries.”

For parade and booth information, call 688-3023.