North Country Fair celebrates 44th anniversary
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Jana Peters and Mike Wielgorcecki, with a drink in hand, enjoy the cool vibes of the North Country Fair, at the Arcata Plaza.
“This is a pretty chill event,” Peters said. “I wished I brought more cash on me.”
“We came from Santa Rosa,” Wielgorecki said. “There’s pretty good vibes here, it makes me want to live here.”
Since 1974, the North Country Fair has been a year-round tradition, Sept. 22 and 23 marked the fair’s 44th anniversary.
Various stands were set up for people to buy locally made items from food to beer, and clothing to ornaments.
Topher Reynolds, owner of Copious Glass, set up a stand at the fair, selling glass marbles.
“This is my fourth year attending the fair,” Reynolds said. “This is one of my favorite times of the year, the people are fantastic and we (Copious Glass) always make high sales here.”
Aside from the food and music at the fair, a parade is also provided for those who attended. This year the fair held its annual All Species Parade on Saturday, and on Sunday a samba parade.
Gregg Moore, band member of an alternative community brass band, Bandemonium, played the sousaphone at the parade.
“Overall, it’s a super positive and playful environment at the fair,” Moore said. “We (Bandemonium) are playing for those animals who are making a comeback from extinction.”
Many children’s eyes widened at the scale of some of the animatronics that were at the fair this year. While those who had a dancing itch got active during the Salsa Parade.
“The scale of the fair is perfect for those who wander to Arcata, it’s very welcoming,” Reynolds said.
