Holiday Weekend Offers Many Events

Labor Day weekend will offer Ventura County residents an array of ways to celebrate the last official weekend of summer, from barbecues to beach parties to baseball.

The seventh annual Labor of Love Family Picnic in Moorpark is expected to attract a large contingent of east county residents to the city’s Peach Hill Park on Monday for music, food and fun. The free picnic is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with several local bands performing throughout the day.

Baseball aficionados left hanging by the major league strike may want to attend Ojai’s annual Labor Day slow-pitch softball tournament. At least 42 teams from as far away as San Francisco and San Diego are expected to compete in the three-day event, said Richard Torres, one of the tournament organizers. Games will be held at Ojai’s Sarzotti Park, Soule Park and Nordhoff High School on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Torres said. For information, call Torres at 646-7823.

Democrats United of Ventura will hold its annual picnic Monday celebrating the holiday. The event, to be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Freedom Park next to Camarillo Airport, costs $15 for adults. There is no charge for children under 12. For information, call Democrats United at 648-7150.

Beach-goers in Ventura can get culture or burn calories at two events to be held at the Ventura Pier on Monday. Organizers are hoping for more than 80 couples at Ventura’s annual Sweatheart 10-kilometer run. The race costs $10 per couple and begins at 8 a.m. For information, call the Inside Track running apparel store in Ventura at 643-1104.

And for those who prefer a slower pace, the Summer by the Sea Arts and Crafts Show will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m., with exhibits lining the pier and promenade.

Capping the weekend of events is a free concert by the Conejo Valley Symphony at Conejo Valley Park. The concert is set to begin at 5 p.m. with a range of pieces conducted by Jim Christensen, former music director at Disneyland. The symphony will perform Broadway show tunes and traditional music.