Last week’s story about the Fair described some high points but thinking it over for a week some more high points have emerged. One grievous omission in the previous story was the Hall of Flowers, such a welcome stop on any fair tour. When it is 90 degrees outside that cool cavern filled with green and flowery scents really is a welcome respite. The beauty of the plants and arrangements is balm for the soul.
This year, in addition to all the individual entrants, ten women came together at the fairgrounds on the Wednesday before the fair to put together around 24 arrangements from flowers and vases provided. We wanted to make sure the building was filled with Flower Power. The group did a bang up job and many-won ribbons- some ribbon winners were first time arrangers.
Wynne Nord, a first timer walked away with “Best of Show” so big kudos to her. A last minute glitch almost deprived us of all these arrangements as the same day pick-up of flowers at Trader Joe’s in Santa Rosa was derailed by two failing cars. Twenty frantic old school phone calls for a truck that could make the trip yielded no ride. Finally Kathleen McKenna posted the need on the AV Valley Hub of Facebook and within an hour four drivers stepped up. All were willing to rush down for the pick-up but Vicky Johnson was the first so she got the job. The miracle that is the Internet communicating with lots of people fast cannot be overstated. We needed the flowers by 3:00pm at the latest and the truck pulled up to the flower building — flowers and vases in tow — at 2:55. A little too close for comfort but, the day was saved.
If anyone reading this is a flower arranger we will be looking for arrangers again next year. We can sign you up and all you have to do is show up – flowers and vases provided. However, you are more than welcome to bring your own flowers and vases and greens to use and to share. If anyone has flowers and greens they would like to donate this would also be very much appreciated.
We will also be fundraising for flowers all year. Let’s make next year’s array of arrangements absolutely spectacular. Francine who runs the building will be thrilled to have as many entries as possible. The AV Fair is very much stronger than other Fairs in the number and quality of entries. We want to keep the fair strong. You can contact me, Terry Sites (707) 671-3332 with any questions or to make donations to the last minute arrangers group.
The Grange also went all out to solicit entries. Perhaps you got a call from Barbara Lamb. The result was more entries than they have had in years. It definitely was “Lookin’ good” over in the Agriculture building. Also there was the wonderful all natural materials display by Beth Swehla’s students. I noticed that many little kids were so fascinated by “We are All Stepping Up” display that they could not keep their little hands off of it moving small parts of the display from one place to another while keeping a sharp eye out for adults who might disapprove.
The Lion’s Club did a land office business pouring beer as fast as those hot thirsty drinkers could drink it. The Beer booth is a major source of funding for the Lion’s who funnel that money right back into the community. Special thanks to Lions President Eric who was there for every single shift and Amy Bloyd, Secretary and the mom. Also special thanks to Renee Lee who worked despite just recovering from foot surgery, and Bill Harper, past president, who was working despite a sore knee and back. Troopers all.
Sitting at the Gowan’s Apple Pie eating tables enjoying my coffee and pie very much I noticed the apple juice slushy machine at the Gowan apple tasting booth, something new and very popular this year. Also noted at the booth was Jo Gowan, matriarch of the Gowan family.
The Baked Potato booth was also nearby. It was noticed that the baked potato assembling students were baking themselves. The Lion’s Club Beer Booth close by had an extra fan that they were able to lend. One hand of the community shakes the hand of another community member. Students looked a lot less baked after fan was installed.
The Fair is a time people return to see old friends. Robert Waring, former elementary school teacher who has moved to Taiwan, was sighted sharing stories of his exotic (to us) life with former co-workers. Debbie Sanchez who was visiting from Mexico and has either 9 or 11 grandchildren now (anyway a lot) was hugging her old friend Kelly Hiatt. Emma Sanchez, granddaughter of both Debbie and Mary O’Brien, is a beautiful teenager now.
Walking around there seemed to be flocks of women and herds of men. One man had a tiny Chihuahua riding his shoulder. When asked if her name was princess he was surprised and said yes. How did we know? All those little girl Chihuahuas seem to have that same name so it was a lucky guess. Many other men had small children on their shoulders and big smiles were on on the faces of both large and small. Sweet to see lots of proud Dads holding the hands of their little boys and girls.
Fluorescent shirts with big letters SAR spotted. What is SAR? Search and Rescue.
Many blow-up inflatable toy hammers and swords in the crowd, perfect for bopping or stabbing for fun without injury. Down near the rodeo arena the Firemen’s Burger Booth turned out the best burgers ever, fresh garden tomatoes so sweet that they could have been soaked in sugar (but weren’t) wowed the crowds and sold out completely.
Sitting on the bleachers at the goat judging the goat lingo stood out. The judge said, “We love her correctness, two really beautiful mammary units but we don’t really see the strength in the memory units.” Later she said, “I commend you and you will be recognized for that today,” so it must have been good. Sitting in the redwood glade where the goat judging happens I remembered a quote something like, “If you are sitting in the shade remember for a moment the person who planted that tree a long time ago.” Erica Scharfen explained to me that goats have to be milked by hand when they are at the fair even though they are used to mechanical milking machines and some really don’t like the change and kick about it. Her daughter Ava and her goat Dior enjoyed being part of it all. Erica said, “For better or worse it’s a family business”.
If you have ever attempted to make a dent in those French fry blocks that they sell at the fair you might find it amazing to know that some years ago some of the bolder high school girls took a French fry challenge: to eat a whole block solo. Two names mentioned were Heidi and Belma but there were apparently others in the contest too with Belma the winner. I don’t know if this is a true story, but it is a fun one.
The Monday after the fair Fair Director Jim Brown and Crew were spotted at the Redwood Drive-In. When approached with “Thanks for a wonderful fair,” Jim said, “It wasn’t me, it was US,” as he turned and ran his arm out indicating all the other workers accompanying him.
A very gracious and humble gesture and indeed a true one, it was all of them who made the fair what is was.
Hi Mendocino!
I am a huge fan that long ago, when I was traveling, picked up a blue t-shirt that said “Great Day in Elk”. I bought it in Large for my son, and he is still wearing it with holes. He has asked me to sew it up, but I thought someone might be able to tell me where I could purchase another one? He loved the blue one. I would be happy to pay for everything including an “inconvenience” fee so he can once again, wear out a Great Day in Elk t-shirt. Any information is greatly appreciated. Please don’t hold it against me, because I am from Texas.