Spirit and Junior Spirit Named

By Richard Mineards | May 2, 2023

Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Olivia Nelson, granddaughter of MJ’s Tanis Nelson with Spirit of Fiesta, Jack Harwood (photo by Fritz Olenberger)

In a spirited competition at the Lobero with more than 600 eager attendees, Jack Harwood,19, was donned as this year’s Spirit of Fiesta, marking the first time ever a male Spirit of Fiesta was selected.

Jack is the son of Riley and Dacia Harwood, the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

My Montecito Journal colleague, Tanis Nelson, a longtime advertising representative, is particularly pleased this week after her 10-year-old granddaughter Olivia Nelson was chosen as Junior Spirit of Fiesta.

A student at Roosevelt Elementary School, Olivia enjoys math and art with hobbies including skating, gaming and flamenco.

She also dances at retirement homes and is involved with beach cleanups.

“We couldn’t be prouder!” gushes Tanis.