Although the weather is still warm and the leaves are still green, the end of the year is near! The City of Santa Paula is excited to announce its fall and winter activities for residents to enjoy. Get ready to decorate a sugar skull and deck the halls this year with the City of Santa Paula’s end-of-year events and activities.
Halloween is just around the corner, and Santa Paula is prepared with several spooky activities for residents. On October 28, the City will be hosting a Halloween Carnival featuring food, games, Trunk-or-Treat activities and a costume contest. This free event will be held at the Community Center parking lot from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. At the same time, the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market will be hosting a free Harvest Festival at the historic train depot from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a pumpkin carving contest, cookie decorating, trick or treating and a costume contest. On October 29, the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the Downtown Halloween Open Market from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This year for Día de los Muertos, the Santa Paula Art Museum and the Ventura County Agricultural Museum are teaming up to host a free community celebration on October 30. The afternoon event will have cultural dance performances, Mariachi music, fun craft activities, face-painting and food vendors. Residents are invited to contribute decorative items, flowers and photographs of loved ones who have passed or build an ofrenda at a loved ones’ grave at the Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery. Día de los Muertos attire is encouraged!
From November 2 to 4, the Santa Clara Valley Boys and Girls Club will be holding its 11th Annual Light Up the Season Christmas Tree Raffle at the Palazzio Event Center. Raffle winners will receive a package of a decorated tree and gifts valued around $350. The next weekend, the Ventura County Agricultural Museum is hosting the 27th Annual De Colores Music & Art Festival featuring musical performances, poetry readings, and the opening of a brand new exhibit.
Following the Thanksgiving holiday, the final events of the year will kick off with the Santa Paula Christmas Parade on November 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On December 10, the City invites the community to come out for a free pancake breakfast and picture with Santa Claus at the Come See Santa Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center located at 530 Main St. Residents must register for this event by calling (805) 933-4226 ext. 350 or emailing nunzueta@spcity.org. The Santa Tours will take place on December 16, 17 and 19, where Santa Claus will be traveling through parts of Santa Paula for anyone who can’t wait to catch a glimpse of him.
In addition to the variety of fun family events being held throughout the City, the Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department is also offering a variety of classes for residents of all ages throughout the holiday season. These fun activities and classes will all take place at the Santa Paula Community Center:
Youth Classes
- Folklorico (ages 7-17): Learn the fundamentals of the Mexican folk dancing tradition, how to keep rhythm and choreography.
- Gymnastics (ages 3-13): Have fun and improve your balance, coordination, agility and flexibility!
- Tae Kwon Do (ages 3-17): Learn the basics of this Korean martial art in the beginner class or practice your skills in the advanced class.
- Archery (ages 12 -17): Learn basic archery skills in this adventurous class sponsored by the Santa Paula Police Activities League.
Adult and Senior Classes
- Zumba (ages 55+): Dance to a fast-paced beat in this fun workout class.
- Mat Yoga (ages 55+): Improve your flexibility and posture with traditional yoga exercises.
- Chair Yoga (ages 55+): Strengthen your mind and body with adapted and modified yoga techniques.
- Archery (ages 18+): Learn basic archery skills in this adventurous class sponsored by the Santa Paula Police Activities League.
Residents can register at the Community Center from Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or through the City’s registration portal. For more information about class times or materials fees, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department by calling (805) 933-4226 ext. 350.
To learn more about the City of Santa Paula’s Parks and Recreation Department events and activities, follow the department on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.