It was a festive Saturday in Goleta for America’s 250th birthday. 

The Goleta Valley Historical Society hosted its day-long 52nd Old-Fashioned Fourth of July event at Rancho La Patera and Stow House. 

The annual event drew a large crowd with its live music, vendors, historical exhibits, food trucks, and kids’ activities, all set against some of Goleta’s most iconic historic buildings.

This year, pony rides were added to the activities list, according to Denise Sanford, executive director of the Goleta Valley Historical Society.

The historic Stow House, built in 1872 and home to Sherman P. Stow and Ida G. Stow, was also open to attendees for self-guided tours.

Despite being longtime Goleta residents, George and Robin Torrellas attended the event for the first time on Saturday after recently becoming members of the Goleta Valley Historical Society. 

They liked the various booths at the event, including those of the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society and the Santa Barbara Model A Ford Club, which displayed vintage cars. 

“It’s fun and patriotic,” Robin Torrellas said. 

They hope to bring their grandchildren to the event next year after seeing all the kid-friendly activities. 

Festivities continued into the night with more than 200 drones lighting up the sky at Dos Pueblos High School for Goleta’s second annual Fourth of July show.  See video of the show here.

City officials had teased that this year’s show was going to be “bigger and better” after a successful debut last year.

Attendees packed the high school’s Scott O’Leary Stadium’s field and bleachers, and a large line to get in was already formed even before gates were open, according to Shannon Kirn, assistant to Goleta’s city manager. 

Before the show, attendees mingled around, visiting food trucks, bubble stations, carnival games and a dance party area hosted by DJ Darla Bea.

This year, both sides of the bleachers were open for seating, and new games were added to the event, Kirn added. 

Additionally, attendees had the option of taking a Santa Barbara Airbus from the Costco parking lot at Camino Real Marketplace to the high school. 

Ojai residents James and Lily Munro and Nitaña Rey got to the event right as doors opened at 6 p.m. to secure a spot on the field. 

They decided to make the drive to the Good Land to support non-firework Fourth of July celebrations. 

“I feel like fireworks are outdated. I know they are pretty and everything, but animals and pets get so scared,” Rey said. “I am hoping surrounding cities are going to follow this trend and have drone shows instead.”

As first-time attendees, they were pleased with the event’s activities and shuttle service. 

Some members of the Goleta City Council also thanked the packed stadium for supporting its second drone show. 

“You being here today, this is community, and this is what makes our country so incredible,” Council Member Jennifer Smith said.

Brynn Wood, 2026 Santa Barbara Teen Star and San Marcos High School junior, sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and the national anthem before the drones lit up the sky. 

As the 250 drones assembled, “oohs” and “aahs” could be heard as shapes of the United States of America and Goleta symbols took form against the night sky for about 12 minutes.

Fourth of July festivities spanned all across the county with a Solvang parade earlier in the day and 9 p.m. fireworks at Santa Barbara’s West Beach.