Fiesta decor in many locations is already adding color and excitement to the 99th Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Old Spanish Days is about two weeks away, and many businesses along with private homes are starting to add colorful decorations.

No longer are they waiting until the week of Fiesta, there is a spirited feeling in the city, to start the annual celebration as early as possible.

Many banners, bunting, streamers and signs began showing up right after the 4th of July.

At the Home Improvement Center in downtown, the annual Fiesta poster and pin, this year shaped like a horseshoe, are for sale just inside the entrance. Up above, Fiesta bunting in different sizes are hanging and also for sale.

The store owner Gary Simpson annually has a display of Fiesta posters dating back decades. They are mounted above the length of the hardware section. Customers slowly walk by to see some of their favorite posters or some they have never seen before. These are not for sale, but the memories are priceless.

Fiesta flags and bunting can also be seen across the building's entrance from Gutierrez street.

Along the waterfront, Jeannine's by the Shore a relatively new addition to the area, will enjoy its second El Desfile Historico - the Fiesta parade. It will be going right by on the corner of State St. at Cabrillo Blvd. "Last year blew my mind!  I couldn't believe how many people fit on this little corner and how happy everybody was. So we at Jeannine's  are anticipating a huge Fiesta," said owner Alison Hardey.

Jeannine's added a burst of decorations this week, outside and inside, with more to come. She said it is uplifting in many ways both for the guests and the employees. "We don't have enough to celebrate in life so why not celebrate ahead of time and have that anticipation."

Some of the customers from out of the area have asked what is happening which adds to the curiosity of what's to come. The decorations are also an attractive drawn and eventually an economic boost for the area.

"It is something that is special to Santa Barbara,  it's unique to Santa Barbara so being on this iconic corner we really want to do it," said Hardey. "And knowing it's going to be on Cabrillo,  we really want to do it!"

The site across from Stearns Wharf and the dolphin fountain, at the gateway to the city in two directions, has become a popular spot to take a memory photo.

The Blue Water Grill across the street also has big banners across the upstairs balcony, which will be among the best elevated spots for the waterfront festivities.

A parade announcer, Guy Rivera from Direct Mortgage Funding on 1736 State St. at Pedregosa St. has his banner up at his front door. The banner is 22 years old. "And it all about the community. Bringing the community together and if we can do it sooner than later. - that's why," he said.

Rivera says people come by and take pictures in front of it. "It warms my heart. I sit in my office and see people snapping pictures and it's a great community feeling right now."

Even though it is a small business and not in the area of the main festivities, it speaks to the united spirit in the community. "It is all around our city east side, west side," said Rivera.

Many private homes have flags and bunting up as well. Some have added colored lights.

The city began seeing more homeowners and renters adding their Fiesta look around their properties during the pandemic when overall citywide activities were all but shut down. Most have continued the tradition.

Newschannel 3 will be broadcasting the Old Spanish Days Fiesta Pequena from the Old Mission on August 2 at 8 p.m. The live broadcast of El Desfile Historico will take place August 4 at noon. The route will be on Cabrillo Blvd. from Castillo St. to an area between Calle Puerto Vallarta and Milpas St.

Some of the carriages will come back on the route to the Carriage and Western Art Museum at Pershing Park where the are stored.

This year there will be about 500 horses, including a team of Clydesdales. There will be 30 wagons, 9 floats and 50 overall entries.

For more information go to: Old Spanish Days