What a privilege it was to be part of the community you describe. We preceded you by about 15 yrs and several vhs rentals at Capt Video, plus more than a few ice cream cones on the patio at B&Rs. I only hope the current generation is forming as many wonderful memories about their lives in Montecito-Santa Barbara as we did. Frankly, I suspect that modern, affluent, digital life has punctured and drained the soul of our community and, in the slightly-revised words of Hillary Clinton, "It Took The Village!"
A remarkable recount of the Village 4th 30 years past! One error is of your posting of your Grand Marshallship, not 1980! Somewhere in my archives, I’ve kept all entries from each Parade. The First Parade in 1996 had John Venable doing duty of videography using monstrous VHS camera. John and I were Directors of Montecito Fire. Due to his “always available” nature, John became a Grand Marshall. Alongside John was wife Christy. Due to Christy’s tenacity making Montecito the Magical place it is, she will sit atop my Fire Engine as Grand Marshall for 2026!
Ahhh, the good old days!
Unfortunately, none of that is allowed in our “brave New World“
What a privilege it was to be part of the community you describe. We preceded you by about 15 yrs and several vhs rentals at Capt Video, plus more than a few ice cream cones on the patio at B&Rs. I only hope the current generation is forming as many wonderful memories about their lives in Montecito-Santa Barbara as we did. Frankly, I suspect that modern, affluent, digital life has punctured and drained the soul of our community and, in the slightly-revised words of Hillary Clinton, "It Took The Village!"
Such great memories, I loved the amazing sand dugout rooms. The parades were wonderful back then.
Erin was a dear friend. Many great locals and times have past . Santa Barbara is not the same grand dame as it was.
Erin was a dear friend. Many great locals and great times have long past. Santa Barbara is not the same, not anymore.
Hi Jim,
A remarkable recount of the Village 4th 30 years past! One error is of your posting of your Grand Marshallship, not 1980! Somewhere in my archives, I’ve kept all entries from each Parade. The First Parade in 1996 had John Venable doing duty of videography using monstrous VHS camera. John and I were Directors of Montecito Fire. Due to his “always available” nature, John became a Grand Marshall. Alongside John was wife Christy. Due to Christy’s tenacity making Montecito the Magical place it is, she will sit atop my Fire Engine as Grand Marshall for 2026!
Have a Patriotic Independence Day!
Dana Newquist