31st Annual Isla Vista Juggling Festival

This weekend marks the 31st Annual Isla Vista Juggling Festival, a three-day event from April 6-8 to support the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center. Friday’s events are free, and will be held at the Goleta Valley Community Center from 6-11 p.m. Saturday at UCSB’s Robertson Gym, from 11- 6 p.m., the public is invited to learn juggling techniques or observe and join the fun of our local juggling community, also a free event. The night will continue with a juggling show in the Isla Vista Theater from 7:30-10 p.m. Proceeds from the I.V. show will benefit the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center; admission costs $10 for the public, and $5 for seniors and students. Events will continue on Sunday back at the Robertson Gym from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., again free and open to the public.

The story behind this event goes back to 1977, when Patty Laney, a 21-year old student activist and avid juggler was raped and killed on her way to a mime class. She had been active in warning the community about the serial rapist, who had taken two victims before her. Friends of Laney organized this annual event to honor the memory of her efforts and increase awareness for violence against women. Come out to support-and perhaps learn a few tricks.

For any questions and details on parking go to www.sbjuggle.org or call (805)-961-2019.