THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The 56th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), May 3 through May 6 at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks, will mix Old West traditions with today's exciting entertainment including motocross, live band and dance nights. The four-day event, with the support of its premier sponsor, Regenerate Films, also features over 40 carnival rides and a section just for kids with a petting zoo and pony rides.

Motocross extreme jumping exhibitions will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 4, 5 and 6. Produced by LivFast, three shows will be held each day. Top freestyle rider Jesse Jolson will be showing off his skills at each exhibition. Festival goers will get a chance to meet the riders on Thursday, May 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, teens can head to the Center Stage (in the CVD carnival area) beginning at 7:00 p.m. to dance to music during CVD's "Electric Valley Nights." Local DJs including Justin Brown Johnson will host the shows that begin every two hours. "Teens can enjoy the music for awhile, go on some rides and then come back for more," says Frank Akrey, Conejo Valley Days president. "The Center Stage is in the heart of all the rides that teens love so it should be quite an experience."

Live bands performing on CVD's Open Borders stage include: The Janks, headed by brothers Zack and Dylan Zmed, (7:00 p.m.) and Bella Donna, a Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac tribute band, 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, Mike Pinera, lead guitarist, singer and producer for legendary bands such as Blues Image, Alice Cooper Band and Iron Butterfly (8:00 p.m.) on Saturday May 5. and the Lovejoys performing its mix of R&B, Motown and classic rock on Sunday, May 6 beginning at noon with the Thousand Oaks All Stars.

Musicians on a Mission, a group dedicated to providing mentorships, musical instruments and other music-related resources to Conejo Valley youth, will be playing its blend of acoustic and country music during all four days of CVD.

Other happenings at CVD include "Whiskeroo" and Santa Claus Beard contests on Saturday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. on the Ma Keeler Stage. The Whiskeroo contest is a chance for men to show off their facial hair and win prizes for the best beard, softest beard, best goatee, scroungiest beard, best mustache and most unique mustache. For the second year, a winner will be named for the best Santa beard. "We're expecting at least 20 Santas to participate making it one of the largest Santa beard contests ever," says Robert Tatangelo, who heads bother whisker contests. "It will be an interesting sight to see." Registration is free and takes place by the Ma Keeler Stage beginning at noon on Saturday.

In addition, dog trick shows will take place on Saturday and Sunday (1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.). Throughout the grounds jugglers, magicians and other entertainers will charm the crowds. Non-profit groups will raise money by hosting a dunk tank, water slide, a spider climb and water ball challenge.

"Each year, over 20 nonprofit groups from throughout the community and hundreds of volunteers take part in the festival," says Frank Akrey. "CVD is often the biggest fundraiser of the year for them. We encourage everyone to support these groups while at CVD by stopping by their game and booths."

CVD premiere sponsor Regenerate Films is a 501C3 charitable organization. Regenerate Inc. and its Open Borders performances benefit multiple non-profit organizations dedicated to teen suicide prevention, sustainability and other social issues. Regenerate Film’s information and membership forms will be available at a CVD booth. "Without Regenerate Films and its Open Borders music festival pedigree, there wouldn't have been a Conejo Valley Days in 2012," says Akrey. "We are grateful for its support to CVD and its desire to maintain this wonderful hometown tradition."

Other sponsors include the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Reeds Furniture, Sparkletts, Line 6, Drum Workshop, Digital Imagination, GoBeDo Productions and Event Essentials.

Live entertainment and motocross events are included in the CVD admission price ($8, ages 13 to adult, $5, ages 6 to 12 and free for kids ages 5 and under).

CVD hours are: Thursday, May 3, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 5:00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, May 5, noon to midnight and Sunday, May 6, noon to 6:00 p.m. Thursday is Family Night when festival goers can hop on an unlimited number of carnival rides for $17. Conejo Valley Days 2012 commemorative badges will be available along with CVD sweatshirts and other merchandise.