The Conejo Valley Days Parade is making its return to the streets of Thousand Oaks this spring to celebrating community spirit, creativity and hometown pride.

This year’s theme, “Hillside Trails and Cotton Tails,” celebrates two defining features of the Conejo Valley: its vast stretches of protected, undeveloped open space and the creatures that inspired the region’s name (“conejo” means rabbit in Spanish). The theme, contributed by Thousand Oaks High School senior Kinsley Morehead, highlights the community’s deep appreciation for its scenic hillsides, miles of trails and the wildlife that call them home.

The winning theme was submitted by Morehead as part of a contest open to the area’s high school students. Smith’s entry stood out for its creativity and its heartfelt reflection of the area’s natural beauty and heritage.

“I knew I wanted something with a country vibe,” said Morehead, who grew up attending the Conejo Valley Days carnival—which pays homage to the area’s ranching roots—with her family and now goes with friends. “I had a few ideas, but the others didn’t resonate with me.”

As winner of the theme contest, Morehead received $250 and a place in the parade, although she said she doesn’t know if she’ll take part as part of the school’s cheer team or separately as the theme contest winner.

The parade will take place at 9 a.m.

May 17 along the Auto Mall area of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, where spectators can expect colorful floats, local organizations, performers and community groups bringing this year’s theme to life in imaginative ways.

This year’s parade is presented by the Branden & Jamie Dickey Family Foundation in partnership with the Fargo’s Angels Parade Committee, which originally brought the beloved community tradition back in 2024. The Branden & Jamie Dickey Family Foundation is dedicated to bringing hope, healing and opportunity to children facing serious medical challenges, and organizers say their involvement underscores the parade’s focus on community, compassion and connection.

Organizers are currently accepting both parade entries and event sponsorships.

Businesses, nonprofits, schools and community groups are welcome to participate in what promises to be a festive and family-friendly celebration.

Those interested in entering the parade or becoming a sponsor can find more information and sign up at cvdparade.com. With a theme rooted in natural beauty and local pride — and with strong community partners helping lead the way — this year’s Conejo Valley Days Parade promises to once again celebrate the hillsides, trails and “cotton tails” that make the Conejo Valley a place residents are proud to call home.

—Becca Whitnall