Ojai Day 2017
By Sarah Howery Hart

The first Ojai Day was established in April 1917 tocelebrate a critical point in the city’s history, the post-fire campaign by Libbey Glass Company owner Edward Libbey to assist the badly damaged town by constructing a new Spanish-style arcade, bell-tower, and pergola.   This was also the year the town’s name was changed from Nordhoff to Ojai. “The first Ojai Day was so cool,” says Amber Young, Ojai Day Coordinator, “because the townspeople wanted to call it Mr. Libbey Day, but, he said, ‘No thank you, we’ll call it Ojai Day’.” 

Young, who is also a  City of Ojai  Administrative Analysist, continues that although that first celebration was 100 years ago, this year’s the event, on October 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m., is actually not a centennial year.  “The event was held from 1917 to 1921,” she explains. “Then from 1991 until today.” She adds that the hiatus was in part due to the Great Depression and World War II.  “Ojai played a big role in the second world war,” she says. “The Ojai Valley Inn was a barracks, and the Woman’s Center on Ojai Avenue was a hospital.” 

However, there is one anniversary being celebrated at the 2017 Ojai Day, the 25^th anniversary of the Ojai Day mandala, the community-created design that will cover the Ojai Avenue/Signal Street intersection.  Work begins at 9:00 p.m. on October 20, ending by 4:00 a.m.

This year there will be an additional mandala-related activity.  “We are doing a special event on the anniversary of mandala,” Young says. “We’re inviting artists from Ojai to do mini-mandalas on Ojai Day in the Libbey Park fountain area.”   The mandala group also designed the 2017 Ojai Day poster.

Entertainment during the day takes place on several stages, including the Ojai’s Own Stage on Ojai Avenue, presenting local musicians, this year including Smitty and Julija. The Matilija Junior High School band will perform on the Mandala Stage on South Signal, and the Nordhoff High School Dancers will perform. The Gypsy Gazebo stage in Libbey Park will be home to Hamsa Dance studio, with belly dancing and Middle Eastern Music.

Vendors will be plentiful, according to Ojai Day Vendor Liaison, Carla Flores. These include the Ojai Optimists, selling tri-tip sandwiches, and the Ojai Lions Club, with their traditional Beer and Wine Garden and barbecue. 

Other vendors include All American Softy Ice Cream.  “They are super fun for kids,” Flores says. Summit School will sell Avocado Bowls, and Wild at Heart will feature their fermented foods and beverages. Me Gusta Tamales will be among the food booths, and there will be several food trucks. 

The Turtle Conservancy will be on hand too, Flores says.  “They usually have live tortoises and provide information and awareness. They sell T-shirts to raise funds.” The Ojai Music Festival, Ojai Sanitary District, and American for Safe Access will also have information concerning their programs.    

Other booths feature hand-crafted products, such as animals and dolls crocheted by Linda Killingsworth; Natural Body and Bath Soy Candles; and Mindful Mixtures, with handcrafted essential oil mixtures.  

Additional activities include the Historic Preservation Commission’s tours of the historic Ojai Jail in Libbey Park. Ojai Trolley Services will be free during Ojai Day, and the Ojai Green Coalition will provide free bicycle storage at their bike valet station. 

Much has changed in Ojai since that first Ojai Day in 1917, but much has remained the same, with Edward Libbey’s contributions--the arcade, post office bell tower, the pergola—having become city symbols.  “That was a special time for our community,” Young says, “and it’s fun to bring it back.  I think the most important thing about Ojai Day is that it’s a festival for the community, by the community.”

Ojai Day, www.ojaiday.com; coordinator@ojaiday.com)