Hundreds of families and friends gathered together to celebrate Moorpark Country Days on Oct. 2, 2021, along Historic High Street in Moorpark.

Families and friends welcomed Moorpark Country Days Parade, “Small Town Fun in 93021,” with waves, cheers and smiles. The parade started at 10:30 a.m. at Chaparral Middle School on Poindexter St. and headed east to Moorpark Ave. The parade then turned north to cross the railroad tracks, then east on High St and concluding at Magnolia St. where floats continued down east.

Parade winners were announced later in the day on Moorpark’s Country Days Facebook.

The event was hosted by the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce. Chairman of Moorpark Chamber of Commerce and business owner of Moorpark Karate and Krav Maga, Jason Flame, shared details about the planning process.

“The planning started months in advance through our committee of several local community members,” said Flame. “Our committee chairman, Bruce Rokos was the ringleader for the entire event, and I helped him and assisted him throughout the entire event.”

Additional event activities were hosted by Action Academy, Enegren Brewing Company, Angry Ferret Brewing and multiple food trucks.

“There was a lot of planning considering that we added several new components to the event, as the event typically consisted of the parade, the street fair and various performances,” said Flame. “This year we added on an adult zone that had the cornhole tournament as well as the beer garden and some activities for children in that area.”

Following the main event; street fair vendors, food trucks, entertainment and crafts lined the street with amusement for all. A beer festival also took place along with a grand collection of cars for the car show.

The event also featured a kid’s fun zone area for families to enjoy games, rides and music together.

Community local and mother of two, Adina Rosas has been bringing her kids to Moorpark Country Days for years now to enjoy what the event has to offer.

“As locals in the community we’ve been coming to Moorpark Country Days for such a long time, and our kids always enjoy the parade and games and fun activities they have,” said Rosas.

The City of Moorpark booth showcased the Moorpark general plan for the city’s next 50 years. The booth was filled with information and materials about the city of Moorpark including marketing brochures, ideas for restaurants to dine in, entertainment suggestions and details on history of the city.

Assistant City Manager PJ Gagajena talked further about the city booth.

“Right now we’re just celebrating Country Days, as it’s a big opportunity to celebrate with the community, bring people together, enjoy a great day on High street and just a great opportunity to spend time with your family and friends,” said Gagajena.

Moorpark College also ran a booth with plenty of information about upcoming events such as “Boo at the Zoo” for local students, counselors and alumni. Student Outreach Specialist Alejandra Martinez had information to share about the spring application.

“Our spring application is out already. We want students to know that we’re having a really great event, that is helping the foundation of college events and this is to help our students fill out FASFA or our Dream Act application. And, it’s going to be on Oct. 9 and then the 23,” said Martinez.