DIGS! (Celebration de Los Dignatarios) began on the ground of the Santa Barbara Zoo where hot live music, amazing tastes from local restaurants and a bevy of cool and delicious sips were enjoyed. DJ Hecktik sounds were danced to by fun loving guests, including Father Larry, and guests donning their finest Old Spanish Days garb.

DIGS! Mariachi Greeting

Fess Parker Double Tree Resort & Spa generously offered trolley rides to and from DIGS!, and everyone seemed to love arriving in a Santa Barbara trolley. My driver was a very entertaining guy, and it was beyond nice not to have to hassle trying to find a parking space in or near the zoo.

Wine & Beverage Booths

Anyone who is anyone in Santa Barbara attends DIGS! in the Zoo which has been considered the best party of Fiesta and attracts a who’s who of Santa Barbara VIPs and elite. Among the VIPs attending were Hal Conklin, Bill MacFadyen, Mayor Helene Schneider, Councilwoman Cathy Morilla, Das Williams, Chief of Police Lori Luhnow, Joe Buttitta & Kelsey Gerckens KEYT3, Franciscan Fathers from Old Santa Barbara Mission, an army of area residents, media and more. Spirit of Fiesta Norma Escarcega gave a brilliant dance performance that delighted hundreds of guests.

Ceviche from Chuck’s Waterfront Grill

So many of my favorite food purveyors were serving tastes including Chuck’s Waterfront Grill, Via Maestra 42, Ca Dario, Farmer Boy, Loquita, Santa Barbara Zoo Catering, Brophy Bros., Santa Barbara Catering and so many more. Liquor was flowing from Tequila coolers to lovely wine sips from Zaka Mesa, Lucas and Lewellen Wines, Beckman Wines and more. new product delighting guests that can’t eat ice cream was Reveri, a nondairy iced dessert. My personal favorite was a Louisiana gumbo served up by The Palace Grill. For a complete list of sponsors please visit: www.sbfiesta.org.
It was yet another fabulous Old Spanish Days DIGS! At the Santa Barbara Zoo and a good time was had by all! Viva La Fiesta!
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by Bonnie Carroll