Uniting Isla Vista: Pardall Carnival Returns to Celebrate Community and Togetherness

By the Isla Vista Community Relations Committee

Get ready for the much-anticipated event of the year, as Pardall Carnival is set to take place on Sunday, April 30, from 12 to 4 p.m. on Pardall Road. Organized annually by IVCRC, this flagship event brings the Isla Vista community together, fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

For those unfamiliar with this annual affair, picture a bustling street alive with excitement as people from all walks of life come together to revel in the joyous atmosphere. Laughter and conversation fill the air while carnival games and tote bags provide entertainment for all ages. Families eagerly wait their turn to hop aboard the Ferris wheel, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding area. Children dart about, their faces lit up with delight, while students proudly table for their organizations, promoting their causes and engaging with their peers.

Add to that a mouth-watering array of delicious food and refreshing beverages offered by local businesses, all absolutely free! Soak in the vibrant ambiance while supporting local businesses: munch on a sandwich from Sam’s To Go, a pita wrap from Hummus Republic, a quesabirria from Zócalo, and food from three other establishments.

Pardall Carnival aims to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging between long-term Isla Vista residents and the UC Santa Barbara student population. By offering a day filled with engaging activities and entertainment, completely free of charge, IVCRC creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that unites the entire community.

“The connectivity that defines this event shines through not only its attendees but also its planners,” IVCRC Internal Chair Yiu-On Li said. “I am and will always be grateful to every single member in the committee, who worked together both as a single unit and as individual sparks in this breathtaking thing called love, boldness, and basic human decency.” 

IVCRC External Chair Abraham shares, Pardall Carnival is the main event IVCRC plans and host for the school year! The reason why I love this event so much is because it’s literally a whole carnival in the middle of Pardall Rd setup and ran by a group of like-minded individuals that want to bring the community together!! It just shows what individuals are capable of when they come together to truly follow through with community projects they are passionate about. In addition, Pardall Carnival is a place where everyone forgets about their current problems and a place where individuals just live in the moment!! The moment involves a day full of fun attractions and community engagement! 

IVCRC’s Vice Chair Bella Strollo emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, saying, “In a college town like Isla Vista, it’s easy for UCSB and SBCC students to forget that there are other people living here besides just us. Pardall Carnival is an amazing opportunity for the entire community to come together, from college kids to families with actual kids. We hope to see you there!”

The Isla Vista Community Relations Committee is a student-funded Associated Students group at the University of California, Santa Barbara, best known for its fun (and free) community programming. What sets IVCRC apart from other campus organizations is our inclusion of long-term residents: events and services that we fund and plan cannot be for UCSB students only.