Fifth Grader Wins Conejo Valley Days' Mother's Day Essay Contest

Nicole Baikalov, a fifth grader at Lang Ranch Elementary School, is the winner of Conejo Valley Days’ Mother’s Day Essay Contest. The contest asked kids in grades three through fifth to submit an essay on “Why my mom is the best mom in the whole world and one important lesson she has taught me.”

“We received many wonderful entries,” says Mary-Catherine McBride, Conejo Valley Days (CVD) executive director. “There are a lot of great moms out there. It was hard to choose. Nicole’s entry really tugged on the heart strings.”

In part, Nicole wrote how “my mom cares for me whenever I am hurt or my feelings are hurt. My mom taught me how to be responsible for all things, and to be respectful to nature that’s all around. But one special thing she has taught me was to believe in myself and have courage.”

“I like to go on hikes, shopping, biking and family vacations with my mom,” says Nicole. “She always watches me play tennis and volleyball. My mom is the funniest most caring mother ever.” This will be Nicole’s third year coming to Conejo Valley Days. She is looking forward to riding the Ferris wheel with her family.

Nicole’s mother, Claudia, is mom to four kids: Nicole and her twin sister Victoria, Christina, age 12 and Alexander, age 17. “It’s a challenge with four kids. You want to get it right,” she says. “Nicole is just lovely. She’s our fashion expert. She’s very kind, considerate, always very happy and a great athlete.”

As the winner of the essay contest, Nicole and her family will attend CVD on Mother’s Day at no cost. They will receive unlimited rides wristbands and vouchers for food at any CVD food court vendor.
Moms who come to CVD with their family on Mother’s Day get in at half price.

Conejo Valley Days takes place May 7 through May 10 at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks. Conejo Valley Days hours are Thursday, May 7, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 5:00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, May 9, noon to midnight and Sunday, May 10, noon to 8:00 p.m.

Active military personnel can get in free all four days by showing their active military identification. Students in grades kindergarten through fifth who participated in the CVD Read & Ride program can pick up their free ride passes at the RCS Information Booth inside CVD. Students need to bring their completed Read & Ride form signed by a parent and teacher/librarian. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for purchase on Thursday and Sunday of the festival.

Entry tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6 through 12 and free for kids 5 and under. Parking is $5. For more festival information and to purchase tickets, go to www.conejovalleydays.us, 805-498-0624, info@conejovalleydays.us, or follow Conejo Valley Days on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyDays and Twitter, @CVDays2015.