Conejo Valley Days, Thousand Oaks' annual community celebration, has secured the necessary funds to stage its traditional parade this year, organizers said Tuesday.

Officials also announced Tuesday that a fourth candidate has entered the race for CVD grand marshal, meaning there will be competitive two-person contests in both the adult and teen categories.

Organizers described the developments as a sign of community interest in the wake of questions about funding and public support for CVD, traditionally a major fundraising opportunity for local nonprofit groups.

"I think the fact there are four candidates for this year's grand marshal race shows there is still sufficient community interest and support," said Marty Campbell, CVD chairman. "I've been involved for quite a few years and thought that the last couple of years interest had, shall we say, dwindled. But now I'm seeing such a renewed level of interest, and this is evidence."

The parade will roll through the city on May 3 as scheduled, she added.

"We have the money to put on the parade," Campbell said. "There will be a parade, planning is under way and there will be different sponsors."

Conejo Valley Days, which is celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year, will officially begin on April 19 with the Kick-Off Picnic and Classic Car Show at the Mary and Richard Carpenter Park on the lawn at the Civic Arts Plaza on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

A highlight will be the CVD festival from April 30 to May 4 at Conejo Creek Park South.

In the contest for grand marshal, candidates pick western-themed nicknames as they and their backers compete in raising money for charity. Last week, officials announced that two adults were running in the grand marshal contest and one youth had signed up.

On Tuesday, organizers announced that a second student has joined the race. Kyle "Chuckwagon" Ruda, 15, said he filled out an application after his mother, Barbara, read a newspaper report that only one teen was aboard.

"I had thought about entering last year but got busy with other stuff," said the Newbury Park High School freshman. "So when Mom mentioned it and we talked about it, I thought, Why not now?'"

Fundraising proceeds go to CVD, which earmarks 65 percent for the candidate's pet cause. Ruda chose Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times: A Camp for Kids With Cancer, near Idyllwild.

Ruda's father, Kim, has been volunteering there for 12 years and involved Kyle in the work on weekends, Halloween and holiday events.

Food will take center stage at Kyle's fundraiser Sunday, an open house with the teen cooking the grub himself at the home of Melanie Corbin, 136 Montenegro Circle, Newbury Park. Information about his other fundraisers is available by calling 338-8826.

"It is shaping up to be an exciting race," said Kenneth J. Walker, off-site chairman and CVD executive committee member.

The other grand marshal candidates are "Whiskeroo Rick" Herrera and "Lone Star Marlon" Williams in the adult division and "Rustlin' Jeremy" Ryan in the youth division.

On the Net:

http://conejovalleydays.org