Rancho Camulos Museum and National Historic Landmark has been selected as one of the non-profits benefitting from the 2014 Citrus Classic Balloon Festival, July 25-26 in Santa Paula. Launched seven years ago, this is the closest hot air balloon festival to Santa Clarita and features evening balloon glows, entertainment , and activities for all ages. Festival details are available at www.citrusclassicballoons.com.

Rancho Camulos Museum on Hwy 126 near Piru operates a collection of historic buildings that remain from the original Mexican land grant, Rancho San Francisco which once included all of Santa Clarita. It is the only National Historic Landmark in Ventura County. The museum’s mission is historic preservation, restoration, and education. Each year thousands of area children visit Rancho Camulos on interactive field trips to learn about their local history and heritage at the “Home of Ramona”. Museum Marketing Liaison, Maria Christopher, said “we are really happy to have this fundraising opportunity and hope the community will support us in maximizing our efforts.”

Fundraising efforts as part of the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival – Rancho Camulos Museum partnership include advance ticket sales and on site activities. Special promotion Friday, July 25 tickets are available for $20 for adults / $10 youth 6-14 through the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival website ( using promo code “RC” for individual or “RC2” for pairs of tickets) or by contacting Rancho Camulos Museum (info@ranchocamulos.org). These tickets include parking, admission, a Spencer McKenzie chicken or beef taco plate, beverage, desert, and glow stick.

That evening Rancho Camulos Docents will also be hosting the VIP wine tasting and Ventura Limoncello tasting at the July 25th Sunset Wine Dinner which is a separate ticketed activity that requires advance purchase and also benefits the museum.

On Saturday July 26th from Noon to 6:00 Rancho Camulos Museum will be hosting the Taste of Ventura Pavilion which will feature sampling and sales of local products. This is part of the Festival events including weather dependent balloon activities running from dawn until 10 PM. Early morning tethered balloon rides will be available weather permitting for an additional charge. That evening there will also be a separately ticketed Craft Beer Pairing Dinner. Tickets are available on line.

Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged as the festival is expected to sell out (if so, it will be posted on Facebook).