Bonnie Carroll
By Bonnie Carroll
With anticipation and planning, officials of Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara met Tuesday for a luncheon on The Santa Barbara Club patio to share plans for Fiesta 2022, and announce the leadership team that will guide the area’s largest regional festival in a safe environment next summer. Volunteers, sponsors, and members of the new 2022 Fiesta leadership team, as well as 2021 members and volunteers met for a formal introduction to the new leadership team, and area press photos opportunities.
La Presidente Maria Cabrera will lead the organization into its 98th year. Cabrera is a retired school counselor and currently is a full-time community volunteer. Team members include Primer Vice Presidente David Bolton, Segundo Vice Presidente Brian Schwabecher, Treasurer Colin Hayward, and El Secretario Fritz Olenberger who will join La Presidente Cabrera on this year’s Fiesta executive committee. Additionally, the Fiesta 2022 leadership team will include Division Chiefs Janice Howell (Celebrations), Patricia Oreña (Dance and Entertainment), Casie Killgore (External Relations), Marge Romero (Mercados), and Tony Miller (Pageantry).
During her presentation, La Presidente Maria Cabrera stated, “OSD continues to navigate the impact that the pandemic has had on our celebration of Fiesta. As we begin planning 2022 Fiesta, the Leadership with the help our sponsors, community partners, friends of Fiesta and families are working for opportunities to reconnect and welcome our visitors, friends, entire families and the community at large to enjoy our 2022 Fiesta.”
“Fiesta means a great deal to our community. The festival helps to generate additional income for local businesses, and it celebrates our area’s rich history, culture and traditions. As an organization, we understand the importance of Fiesta for our community, and we understand the importance of strong organization and safety. All of this is made possible thanks to our volunteers, supporters, and dedicated sponsors. We thank everyone that helps to continue our traditions, and is working to make our 98th Fiesta year a success,” said Cabrera.
Fiesta 2022 will be held August 3-7. The festival will also include events throughout the year beginning with La Primavera on May 21. For information visit www.sbfiesta.org.
