Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum reacts with surprise and joy after being named the 2018 Old Spanish Days Spirit of Fiesta at auditions Saturday at La Cumbre Junior High School. 
Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum is a 17-year-old home-school student. 
Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum. 
Among the first to greet the 2018 Spirit of Fiesta Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum was the 2017 Spirit, Norma Escárcega. 
Georgey Taupin is a 10-year-old home-school student. 
Georgey Taupin. 
The Junior Spirit crown caught Georgey Taupin by surprise. 
Spirit of Fiesta Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum and Junior Spirit Georgey Taupin. 
Old Spanish Days La Presidenta Denise Sanford with Junior Spirit Georgey Taupin, left, and Spirit of Fiesta Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum. 
Family and fans crowd the stage to greet 2018 Spirit of Fiesta Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum. 
Spirit of Fiesta runner-up Mia Lomeli. 
Junior Spirit runner-up Lane Tatum Danhauer. 
Lane Tatum Danhauer. 
Lane Tatum Danhauer. 
Mia Lomeli. 
Mia Lomeli.
Continuing a seven-decade tradition, Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days on Saturday chose the two young dancers who will twirl at the head of this year’s Fiesta parades, performances and processions.
Before a packed, cheering crowd in the auditorium of La Cumbre Junior High School, a panel of judges crowned 17-year-old Jesalyn Contreras-McCollum as the 2018 Spirit of Fiesta and 10-year-old Georgey Taupin as the Junior Spirit.
Jesalyn, a home-school student dancing Flamenco with an Alegrias dance style, was selected from a field of 11 Spirit contestants at the audition.
“I’m excited and honored to represent this Fiesta, and help celebrate traditions and our community,” she said after the announcement by 2018 La Presidenta Denise Sanford.
“I can’t wait for it to start.”
Georgey, also a home-school student, was selected from among nine Junior Spirit contestants. She, too, danced Flamenco with an Alegrias style.
“I can’t believe it,” Georgey said. “I am so happy I get to participate in Fiesta with Jesalyn. She is such an amazing girl.”
Both girls represent local dance studios. Jesalyn is with Linda Vega Dance Studio and Georgey with Zermeno Dance Academy.
The pair follows 2017 Fiesta Spirit Norma Escárcega and Junior Spirit Eve Flores.
In the Fiesta tradition, the Spirit leads El Desfile Histórico (Historical Parade) while the Junior Spirit leads El Desfile De Los Niños (Children’s Parade). Both Spirits perform at numerous events and public appearances right up through Fiesta.
The 94th Old Spanish Days is Aug. 1-5 with a theme of “Celebrate Traditions.” Click here for a complete Fiesta schedule.
— Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen can be reached at wmacfadyen@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.