The Grand Marshal Race for Charity invites local clubs, organizations and charities to raise monies for their groups the Conejo Valley Days way! Each organization sponsors a candidate from their membership and picks a campaign name with a western flair. Some noteworthy ones from the past include Buffalo Bob, Frontier Frank, Ma Barker and Desperado Di.

Then they plan a five-week schedule of fun events to help their cause. Mystery Nights, pizza parties, art auctions, BBQ's, silent auctions, spaghetti feasts, Jail 'n' Bails, golf tournaments, and the sale of their candidate badges and the CVD official badge are some of the ways that groups have raised monies in the past.

The first race was called the "Honorary Mayor's Race" and local clubs and groups put on a plethora of events, from flapjack breakfasts and camel rides, to fashion shows! The first Honorary Mayor was Bob Talley, who would later become the first elected Mayor of our town!

Once the City of Thousand Oaks incorporated, the Conejo Valley Activities Corporation changed the Race name to the "Grand Marshal Race for Charity," with clubs and charities sponsoring candidates.

There have been fifty-two Grand Marshals and over 200 Deputy Sheriffs, who have earned the prestigious title over the years. The highest dollar raising candidate wins the title of Grand Marshal and the other candidates earn the title of Deputy Sheriff.

The Grand Marshal Race for Charity raises thousands of dollars for local clubs and organizations each year and is a great way to promote our local charities - the Conejo Valley Days way!

Announced at the Final Countdown last Friday (April 25), the 2008 Grand Marshal is "Whiskeroo Rick" Herrera. The 2008 Jr. Grand Marshal is "Rustlin' Jeremy" Ryan. The 2008 Deputy Grand Marshal is Marlon "Lone Star" Williams and the 2008 Jr. Deputy Grand Marshal is Kyle "Chuckwagon" Ruda.

All four candidates raised $21,324 for local charities, including:

"Lone Star Marlon" Williams

Raising money for the Conejo Valley Neighborhood for Learning Adopt-A-Future Program.

"Whiskeroo Rick" Herrera

Raising money for the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks and Hospice of the Conejo.

"Rustlin' Jeremy" Ryan

Raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County.

Kyle "Chuckwagon" Ruda

Raising money for the Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.

Please join me in thanking this fine citizens for raising funds for charity.