Members of 2023 Old Spanish Days Board of Directors, some in Fiesta clothing, pose for group photo at a spot along Cabrillo Boulevard.
Members of 2023 Old Spanish Days Board of Directors pose for group photo at a spot along Cabrillo Boulevard. Credit: Courtesy photo

The Old Spanish Days Board (OSD) of Directors gathered on Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara recently for their 2023 photo shoot.
 
Old Spanish Days is a 50l(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and preserving Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions. The 99-year-old organization is unique among festivals in that it is run entirely by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by only one full-time staff member.

Board members, who represent a broad cross-section of the community, are responsible for planning and producing over a dozen major events during Fiesta week; several fundraising events leading up to the week; and organizing some 500 other volunteers, participants and performers.

In 1924, 32 letters were sent out to prominent Santa Barbara community members inviting them to serve on the Board of Directors of the newly formed Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara nonprofit.

Since then, the tradition of volunteer service for the organization has been at the forefront of the community festival. Led each year by an el presidente, who serves as the CEO, the OSD Board works behind the scenes, 12 months a year, organizing all aspects of Fiesta.
 
The board’s fundraising efforts allow Fiesta events to be offered free to the public, and the board’s logistical and operations support provides for Fiesta events, from dance and entertainment to the Mercados to El Desfile Historico parade.

“Our board is dedicated, talented and committed to putting on a safe, fun and memorable Fiesta,” said David Bolton, 2023 el presidente. “Each board member offers a unique skill that, when combined with others, provides the organizational and creative backbone for a successful community Fiesta”
 
Annually, OSD seeks support from individuals, businesses and foundations, and holds fundraisers like the upcoming La Primavera, Fiesta Ranchera, La Recepcion del Presidente and DIGs. Proceeds cover event expenses, which primarily consist of insurance coverage, equipment rental, venue costs, city fees, and administration costs.

This year’s board photo was taken on Cabrillo Boulevard, the site of many 2023 events like El Desfile Historico; and the new Mercado de la Playa, which will include a carnival, a beer garden, entertainment and vendors.

It is also the scene of the official 2023 Fiesta commemorative poster. The poster features a dancing couple at the foot of Stearns Wharf with Santa Barbara’s waterfront in the background. The scene combines the vibrant colors of Fiesta with the local coastal view.
 
The community is invited to volunteer, donate, attend a fundraiser, or buy a poster to support the organization. For more on how to participate, visit www.sbfiesta.org.
 
Community members can meet 2023 El Presidente David Bolton, 2023 Spirit of Fiesta Jack Harwood, and  2023 Junior Spirit of Fiesta Olivia Nelson for a poster signing event, 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 29 at Home Improvement Center, 415 E Gutierrez St.
 
Old Spanish Days 2023 Board of Directors:
Executive Committee
David Bolton, El Presidente
Brian Schwabecher, El Primer Vice Presidente
Fritz Olenberger, El Segundo Vice Presidente
Colin Hayward, El Secretario y El Tesorero
 
Division Chiefs
Janice Howell, Celebrations
Patricia Oreña, Dance and Entertainment
Angelique Davis, External Relations, Education & History
Andrea Caplan, Marketplaces
Tony Miller, Pageantry
 
Maria Cabrera, La Presidente Próxima Pasada
 
Directors
Jana Atherton, Michelle Bischoff, Brian Boyle, Sarah Brewer, Angie Cisneros, Chris Gusman, Casie Killgore, Gary MacDonald, Sean Malis, Judith McCaffrey, Thea Palencia, Matt Porter, Melissa Robledo Pulido, Marge Romero, John Stephens, Diana Vandervoort, Isis Wills-Saltzman, Greg Wilson. Past President Directors Roger Aceves, Scott Burns, Maria Cabrera, Barbara Carroll, Mike Danley, Erik Davis, Joanne Furnari, Christie Gallagher, JC Gordon, Rhonda Henderson, Josiah Jenkins, Mike Mendoza, Stephanie Petlow, Denise Sanford, Tim Taylor, Chip Wullbrandt
 
Associates
Laura Abrignani, Kristina Cabral, Stephanie Coghlan, Elvis Cosio, Chris Cyr, Nina Golding, Malisa Harrison, Tere Jurado, Kate Kubiak, David Moorman, John Morais, Melissa Morelos, Guy Rivera, Brandon Vallin, Jenna Verbryke, Donna Weidl.

Fiesta 2023 will take place in various locations around the city Aug. 2-6, 2023. Visit www.sbfiesta.org for more information.