About Us

Who We Are: The Legend of “Moonlight at the Ranch”

Moonlight at the Ranch is the result of a joint effort between the Santa Paula Police & Fire Foundation and our Chamber of Commerce to provide a unique celebration for the entire area.  Each year a totally new theme is identified to fully transform the historic Limoneira Ranch for the attendees to escape to. Past years included:

I: “El Rancho y la Luna!”  A night celebrating the rich saga of the Old West and Vaquero culture.

II: “Hollywood Nights!”  The sun setting on the glamour, excitement and the most famous of film stars.

III: “Out of This World!”  In the dark of night all things sci-fi gather for a trip to outer space.

IV: “The Roaring 20’s!”  A balmy evening, naughty speakeasy and the most notorious decade in history.

In just four short years annual Moonlight’s have made this celebration Ventura County’s signature event.  Each Moonlight has dazzled guests with theme-rich displays from vintage vehicles and space ships to shoot-outs and walking the red carpet at a film premier.

Moonlight is when the stars come out: Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to step out on the moon was Honorary Chairman for “Out of this World!”

Academy Award-winning director and actor Kevin Costner, who starred as Prohibition G-Man Eliot Ness in “The Untouchables,” was not only the Honorary Chairman for “The Roaring 20’s!” but even attended the event and graciously visited with guests.

Moonlight is all about our guests, many who “dress up” to reflect the theme of the event.  Dozens of fine restaurants flock to Moonlight to offer their tastiest favorites, musical entertainment keeps everyone on their toes and exciting raffles feature wonderful prize; memories are made each year at Ventura County’s most famous celebration.

September 17 is Moonlight at the Ranch V: “Shake, Rattle & Roll!” where guests will be “Cruisin’ thru the 50’s!” with Honorary Chairman Frankie Avalon, the iconic entertainer whose “Venus” was the hit 45 of the mid-century.  Although details are secret, “Shake, Rattle & Roll!” will be unlike any themed celebration you have ever attended, in the tradition of Moonlight.