In 1989 the unincorporated village of Carmel Valley celebrated its Centennial after a group of local residents discovered the local post office was established in 1889 and decided to have a parade to celebrate its centennial. That decision expanded into a weekend festival of a parade, 10K race, street dance, music, food booths, arts & crafts, etc. The locals had such a great time that talk began to perpetuate the event annually, but to hold it together required a sponsoring group. The Kiwanis Club of Carmel Valley seemed the logical organization and the Fiesta was born.