Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Kids Kaleidoscope

46 Los Ninos de La Flores children with 2022 Fiesta La Presidente Maria Cabrera and members of the OSD Committee on the steps of Historic Old Mission Santa Barbara celebrating Old Spanish Days Fiesta.

This morning was the celebration of what is often considered the

happiest pictures of Fiesta – the annual group picture of Old Spanish Days ambassadors, Los Ninos de las Flores. The Official 2022 picture on the steps of the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. This group of area children not only participate in both Fiesta parades but also visit convalescent homes and greet visitors at both the airport and train station with a bright smile and a “Viva La Fiesta.” They so embody the spirit of Fiesta.

OSD Board Member/photograher Fritz Olenberger with La Presidente Maria Cabrera 2022. Photos by Bonnie Carroll, LBN.

We all look forward to seeing the Los Ninos de las Flores boys and girls coming down the street as the Santa Barbara Fiesta Parade proceeds down the route each year, and this year will be no exception with 48 flower children, 46 girls and 2 boys, ranging in age from 6 to 12, who will proudly lead the 2022 Old Spanish Days Fiesta parade. 2022 OSD Fiesta is August 3-6 this year. Visit: www.oldspanishdaysfiesta.com for tickets and information.

Fiesta will run August 3-7. Special City of Santa Barbara Trolley's will transport visitors to the parade site with a variety of area pick up locations. See map below and contact Old Spanish Days for additional parade (both parades) information, as well as all Fiesta activities.

Early in the morning you will always find me taking first photos of the Summer Solstice Parade participants as they pull their floats in line to travel the parade route where thousands fill the route to see the hand-made floats, costumes, performances and pure fun!

This year very early I found Santa Barbara Police Officer Edward Kasper on duty keeping the traffic route clear talking with a family and their young boys. The older boy was fascinated by the SBPD motorcycle, and the officer generously offered to let him sit on the bike and experience some of the unique bells and whistles. Then his little brother had his chance and got some help from his dad with Officer Kaper watching.

I am always so touched when our SBPD protectors take the time to make friends and be of service to our our children, and this was one of those special moments. This little boy and his brother will always remember their special Summer Solstice Parade kind encounter with one of our men in blue, and I was very happy to know that perhaps one more child got the message that that 'the policeman is your friend' and it seemed to me officer Edward Kasper enjoyed making a difference in the lives of these little guys and thier parents as well!

Thank you to our Santa Barbara men and women in blue for the great job they do in good times and in bad times! Thank you Officer Kasper for making my morning brighter!