Santa Barbara Woman’s Club 93rd Annual La Merienda

The Santa Barbara Woman’s Club held its annual gala celebrating Fiesta, called La Merienda, on Wednesday, August 2, at their Mission Canyon Rockwood club. This soirée was established in 1928, and its event chair is Sue Ziliotto. 

The event was seriously double sold-out with ladies arriving in brightly colored flamenco dresses, and men in their Sunday best ranchero outfits. There was a catered Mexican luncheon and homemade desserts served buffet style.

The event started promptly at 11:30 am with the introduction of Fiesta dignitaries, Old Spanish Days El Presidente 2023 David Bolton, and El Primer Caballero 2023 Gonzalo Sarmiento. Bolton welcomed everyone and acknowledged the event chair Ziliotto and St. Barbara 2023 Lisa Osborn. Bolton shared that Fiesta brings the community together in a tradition that started in 1924.

The first performer was the Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Olivia Nelson, a 10-year-old 4th-grader at Roosevelt Elementary School. Next was the Spirit of Fiesta Jack Harwood, who received a standing ovation. Harwood rehearsed five to six hours daily in preparation for the Old Spanish Days performances. He and Nelson left after performing for the SB Woman’s Club to prepare for the Old Spanish Days opening event at the Santa Barbara Mission later that evening. They were followed in performance by the best local dance teams from their respective dance academies in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles. 

Also seen at the event were former KEYT television anchor and Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Lopez, Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams, Santa Barbara Woman’s Club President Cevin Cathell, and Montecito BFFs Diane Pannkuk, Sofie Langhorne, and Linda Butterwick. 

This fun and festive event is one for the books. The Santa Barbara Woman’s Club was founded in 1892, with the mission of cultivating friendship and an interest in fine arts, world travel, civic affairs, and other current topics.  

411: https://sbwomansclub.com
office@sbwomansclub.com