Weekend Heat Creates Concerns for Fiesta-Goers

The food won’t be the only thing sizzling at Old Spanish Days this weekend. Temperatures will be above average once again this year, with highs in the upper 80’s through Saturday and into the 90’s by Sunday.

Mike Shinn has dressed as Zorro on Fiesta Friday for nearly 10 years. Despite the costume, he says he knows how to beat the heat.

“The trick is stay in the shade, drink lots of water, be cool,” Shinn said.

The First Aid tent at the De La Guerra Mercado provides sunscreen for those who need it and treats those who are dehydrated. There are other steps you can take besides drinking water that could protect you from the heat.

“Make sure to get your electrolytes in, so something other than water as well,” says First Aid staff member Hailee Blaga. “Make sure to eat. Get your breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

Just outside the Mercado, Henry Sanchez hands out free sports drinks to those driving and walking by.

“The goal today is to hand out as many beverages,” Sanchez said. “Especially in this heat today.”

Past the Mercado is Paseo Nuevo Mall, which offers complimentary water bottles to guests year round. The mall makes hydration even more of a priority during the increased traffic that comes with Old Spanish Days. Paseo Nuevo also offers some water bowls for pets that need to stay hydrated.

“We’re just more prepared, we have a lot more cold water on hand,” says Mary Lynn Harms-Romo, Marketing and Specialty Leasing Manager at Paseo Nuevo. “We have our refrigerator stocked up because there’s just so many more guests that are here throughout the day. We are very animal friendly here and a lot of pets are passing through so we wanna keep them hydrated as well.”

No matter where you are in Santa Barbara this weekend, be sure to stay healthy and hydrated during the final days of Fiesta 2018.