Thank you to these generous sponsors for partnering with the Ballard Jamboree:
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Old-Fashioned Kids Carnival
Get ready to have a rip-roarin', tootin' fruitin, high-o time with old-fashioned carnival games and activities like the three-legged sack race, mining at Pete's Mining Cabin, bakery items, old-fashioned photo booth, craft corners, tug of war contests, and more! After winning each game, children receive "Jamboree Bucks" that they can exchange for old-time toys and prizes at the Mercantile. Apart from games, punch cards can be used for bakery treats, beverages, petting zoo visits, and more. It is advisable to provide each child with at least one 20-hole punch card. Additionally, children dressed in 1800s attire receive a complimentary 5-hole punch card upon check-in!
20-Hole Punch cards can be purchased for $20 at checkout.
BBQ Feast & Live Music
Come and enjoy a fantastic afternoon of live acoustic music, accompanied by a mouth-watering Pulled Pork BBQ feast, prepared by the renowned local caterer, High On The Hog Catering. Each lunch ticket includes slow-roasted pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, and a side salad. Kids under 5 eat for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. The BBQ tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $12 for kids.
Come Dressed in 1800s Attire
We would like to encourage all families attending the event to come dressed in 1800s attire. On the fence? Approximately 75% of attendees (including adults!) dress up in theme, and it adds an extra touch of excitement for the kids. If you need some inspiration, consider wearing a prairie dress. Alternatively, you can search for "1800s apparel" on Amazon, and you will find plenty of fun options to choose from!
Largest Game of Musical Chairs on the Central Coast
In 2022, the Musical Chairs game played at the Jamboree had a record number of 97 chairs! It was the most exciting event of the Jamboree. Although every child is welcome to participate in the game, it is an added delight for their loved ones to sponsor a chair or two in honor of their child. The chair will be displayed with the child's name and a special note of love and encouragement from the donor. This is an important part of our Jamboree fundraising, as 100% of the funds raised go directly toward school needs and programs. Moreover, the joy on the kids' faces when they find their chair is priceless. If you wish to sponsor a musical chair, you can do so for $100 at checkout.
Schoolhouse Vintage Pop-Up Shop
Introducing the Schoolhouse Vintage Pop-Up Shop, a new addition to the Jamboree event. This shopping experience offers hand-selected vintage furniture and décor, luxury apparel, designer accessories, collectibles, and more. You don't need a ticket to enter the shop, but we hope you'll join us for lunch while you're here! Browse through beautiful finds that support the 100-year-old Ballard School, a community gem in the Santa Ynez Valley, and a worthy cause.
Click below to email Shop Manager, Jess Landis, if you'd like to donate an item!
School House Museum
Ballard's Little Red School House is a historical landmark that was built in 1882. In the early days, the schoolhouse was the only public building in the valley and was used for various events such as church services, weddings, funerals, and meetings. It was also a popular site for lectures, social entertainment, lively debates, singing, and Saturday night dances. Today, it serves as the TK/Kindergarten classroom for Ballard School, providing a great learning experience for the students. If you're curious about seeing inside the schoolhouse, you can visit the Jamboree, which transforms the classroom into a museum honoring its deep history. Access to the museum is included in your ticket, so make sure to take advantage of this opportunity!
Pizza & Wine After-Party at the Ballard Inn
After the Jamboree, you can skip cooking dinner and instead join us for pizza at the nearby Ballard Inn, which is just a five-minute walk from Ballard School. We will have sparkling sodas available for kids and wine for adults. The best part is that a $40 Family Ticket will cover everyone, making it a perfect way to wrap up your Jamboree experience. We hope to see you there!
