Enjoy cooler weather at the Fun Fest, Chili Cook-off and Earth Day

The closest we'll come to Conejo Valleys Days will take place this weekend and May 6 through 10. It won't be anything like the usual CVD, but the events will at least remind us that Conejo Valley Days usually takes place this time of year.

The Thousand Oaks Rotary Club, to its credit, is presenting the Conejo Valley Family Fun Fest, Chili Cookoff and Classic Car Show this weekend.

Events will be from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Conejo Creek Park South, just east of the 23 Freeway near Janss Road. The first day features plenty of live entertainment on two stages.

On Sunday are the Chili Cook-off and Car Show, which will also include entertainment. Admission is $10 each day; kids under 12 are admitted free.

The carnival will return to the same site from May 6 through 10, although it will be missing the usual vendors that supply food, beverages and some of the games. There won't be an exhibitors' tent or live entertainment, and there won't be a parade.

Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village need Conejo Valley Days to return next year. CVD is one of the most successful community events of its type in the entire U.S., and many groups and organizations depend on Conejo Valley Days for fundraising.

Maybe it was fate that CVD didn't get off the ground this year.

It probably wasn't going to bring in as much money in 2009 because of the economy.

And it just won't be the same without a parade.

Since the weather isn't expected to be torrid this weekend like it was earlier this week, you can also enjoy another event on Saturday, the 12th annual Arbor/Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park North, just behind the library and also just east of the 23 Freeway, off Janss Road.

All three events help remind of us of who we are.