Tag archives: Earl Warren

Milestones of the Write Stuff 
By Steven Libowitz   |   September 17, 2024

Both the Granada Theatre and Old Spanish Days Fiesta marked their 100th anniversaries this year, and the Lobero also celebrated the centennial of its reopening, while the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade & Festival reached its half-century milestone celebration this summer. Now, mid-September also brings the 50th edition of the Planned Parenthood Book Sale, which […]

Double Time with the Fair & Expo
By Steven Libowitz   |   April 30, 2024

For the first time in history the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is expanding to two weekends, sparking the theme of “Double Thrill Double Fun” for the April 25-28 and May 3-5 springtime extravaganza. Ironically, it might have been the pandemic that provided the impetus for the growth, as the special July 2021 edition was […]

Flower Power: Orchid Overflow at Showgrounds
By Steven Libowitz   |   March 12, 2024

Folks who aren’t fanatical about orchids may not realize it, but the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is a very big deal. The show’s longevity is a big part of that – it’s been nearly eight decades since its first iteration in at the Montecito Grange Hall in 1945, and the SBIOS has ensconced at […]

Furry Critters, Fat-Filled Food, and Fabulous Fun at the Fair & Expo
By Steven Libowitz   |   May 2, 2023

If Earth Day is all about the environment and ecology – you know, healthy organic food? – another of Santa Barbara’s long-running family-oriented festivals takes an altogether different tack: we’re talking corn dogs and cotton candy. We’re also talking farming, enthralling exhibits, and a full focus on fun. Yes, it’s the Santa Barbara Fair & […]

Orchids: The Adventure Returns via SB International Orchid Show Inc.
By Joanne A Calitri   |   February 21, 2023

Lauris Rose, board president of the SB International Orchid Show, Inc. (SBIOS),is unstoppable in her quest to keep orchids healthy, thriving, and in the public’s view. Their annual showcase event on March 10-12 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds is once again in bloom.  Known as the all-things-orchids global expert, she and her husband have more […]

SB Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo Returns
By Montecito Journal   |   August 9, 2022

For the 98th year, the Santa Barbara Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo at the Earl Warren Showgrounds kicks off on August 4. Hosted by Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc., the 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving the historic annual event, this event brings together the best horsemen and women from San Luis Obispo, […]

Q&A with Earl Warren CEO Ben Sprague: What’s the Future of the Facility?
By Joanne A Calitri   |   August 19, 2021

Fourth-generation Californian and Santa Barbara native Ben Sprague has been the CEO of the Earl Warren Showgrounds (EWS) State of California 19th District Agricultural Association since January 2019, appointed by its nine-person, all-volunteer board of directors. His mission is to bring the EWS to financial stability, modernize the facilities, increase community awareness and support, and […]

Love Thy Neigh-bor
By Richard Mineards   |   May 16, 2019

Santa Barbara equestrian Karen Jenkins, 80, riding her quarter horse gelding Homer, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, made history in a Century Club ride at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The rare event is designed for horse and rider who achieve the combined age of 100. Karen, the wife of Jedlicka’s Saddlery owner, Si Jenkins, […]