Bring Canned Food to Opening Night of Conejo Valley Days: Help FOOD Share and Get $3 Off Admission

April 7, 2011 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.--Here's a chance to help stock the shelves of the county food bank and get a discount to the opening night of the 55th Annual Conejo Valley Days, Wednesday, May 4. Bring a donation of five cans of food with you and receive a $3 discount off the regular admission ($8 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6 through 12).

   "It's important that neighbors help neighbors," says Frank Akrey, CVD CEO/President. "This is one way we can help those in need in our community." Funds raised by Conejo Valley Days assist over 30 local non-profits and the work they do throughout the Conejo Valley.

   The Ventura County food bank, FOOD Share (http://www.foodshare.com), is coordinating the food donation. It currently provides food to over 73,000 people every month by partnering with over 150 community agencies including Manna (http://www.mannaconejo.org/) and EV Free Church (http://www.evfree.net/) in the Conejo Valley.

   FOOD Share is particularly looking for canned protein foods such as tuna, chicken, turkey, beef stew and ham as well as beans, rice, peanut butter, pasta and canned soup. "Most people who use our services are working," says Karen Jensen, FOOD Share event coordinator. "Less than 10 percent are homeless. We are seeing more and more families that have been hit with an unexpected expense such as an automotive repair bill so they don't have the $100 or $200 to spend on groceries. FOOD Share provides nutritious food to help them get through." Look for the FOOD Share truck and canned goods drop-off area near the CVD entrance.

   CVD takes place May 4 through 8 at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks. This year, it features the ConejoX3 motocross competition on Wednesday, May 4 and Thursday May 5 at 6:30 p.m. and three Showdeos (all the fun and excitement of a rodeo) on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8. Tickets for these events are available online (http://www.conejovalleydays.org) and at the gate. Seating is limited.

   Conejo Valley Days is also making it easier for military personnel to come to the festival. Active members of the military who show their military i.d. will get in free to CVD on Friday, May 6. For more information, call 805-498-0624 or email info@conejovalleydays.org.

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Conejo Valley Days entertains 55,000 visitors each year over five days. With carnival rides, vendors, arts & crafts, live entertainment, games, food & a wonderful community spirit, it is a celebration perfect for the whole family. conejovalleydays.org