SANTA BARBARA, CA – November 17, 2021 – History continues in Santa Barbara as Old Spanish Days announces the leadership team for the 2021 Old Spanish Days Fiesta. The Executive Committee will be comprised of: La Presidenta Stephanie Petlow; La Primera Vice Presidente Maria Cabrera; El Segundo Vice Presidente y El Secretario David Bolton and La Tesorera Casie Killgore. The elected Division Chiefs include: Division Chief of Celebrations Janice Howell; Division Chief of Dance and Entertainment Maria Cabrera and Division Chief of Pageantry Gary MacDonald.
“2020 has certainly made all of us realize the importance of family, friends and our special community of Santa Barbara,” said La Presidenta Stephanie Petlow. “We are thankful for the continued support during this pandemic from our Sponsors, the City of Santa Barbara, the County of Santa Barbara and our community collaborators. The entire Board of Directors and Past Presidentes are committed to presenting a safe and wonderful Fiesta 2021 to continue our rich history and traditions.”
Now in its 97th year, Fiesta is unique among festivals as it is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by only one full-time staff member. The Board of Directors annually selects an El Presidente or La Presidenta who presides over the Board, and serves as the general manager of the organization. The Primer Vice Presidente is responsible for the operation of the entire organization and the Segundo Vice Presidente is responsible for raising the funds that allows the historical festival to continue. The Division Chiefs oversee all the volunteer committees that support the official Old Spanish Days events and activities in the venues city-wide.
In 2021, Fiesta will take place from August 4th to August 8 th. First held in 1924, Fiesta celebrates a period of romance and hospitality through pageantry, dance music, costume and cuisine.
Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation dedicated to honoring and preserving Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage, and traditions.
