This weekend promises to be a gorgeous one with Saturday’s temperatures expected to be in the high 70s. It will be a perfect day to head to Crescenta Valley Park to enjoy the annual Hometown Country Fair.

The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual event and it has everything one would want in a traditional fair: carnival rides, a car show, live entertainment, a dog parade, silent auction, arts & crafts vendors and of course food.

I’ve sat on the chamber board for the last few years and I can tell you that the fair had a rather rocky start. The first and second years the fair was held in September. The first year it was roasting hot. Not surprising, attendance was not what we had hoped as most everyone was holed up somewhere that was air conditioned.

The second year the fair was also held in September. That was the year of monsoon-like rains. The morning had started somewhat cloudy but by 1 p.m. the skies opened and man-oh-man did it pour! We were practically washed away from the park grounds!

The third year was definitely the charm as we were blessed with perfect weather. The crowds responded enthusiastically and the fair, now held in April, is a much-anticipated event.

CV Park is a great location, too. With gently sloping lawns and shade trees, you can enjoy a pleasant walk while checking out the different vendors selling handcrafted items or offering information on a variety of subjects.

One of the most popular activities of the day is the dog parade. Foothill folks love their pets and the dog parade is a perfect place to show them off! Plan to bring your dog to CV Park – on a leash of course – and you’ll have the chance to proudly parade him or her around.

Another treat at the fair is the entertainment. From martial arts demonstrations to young dancers and accomplished singers, the fair offers entertainment for every taste.

And speaking of taste – make sure to come hungry. The smell of barbecue is too tempting to resist not to mention all the other traditional “fair food” you’ll have the chance to savor. My mouth is watering just thinking of it!

For those who enjoy the beauty of a fine automobile, cars a plenty will be on display at Crescenta Valley Park. Fair goers can peruse the offerings of vintage vehicles to pristine muscle cars. What’s especially fun is that in most cases the car owner is right there to answer any question you might have on how they’ve maintained the car or in what condition they originally got it. Awards are given based on various criteria, but one is the People’s Choice, so make sure to take time to cast your ballot for your favorite. The car show is truly a highlight of the day.

Make sure to take time to stop by the silent auction table, too. There are some great items up for bid – who knows? Maybe you’ll be the lucky winner of a helicopter ride or a two-day vacation!

And what carnival would be complete without rides? Kemsley Shows has been providing giant slides, and adult and kiddie rides for years and is a big supporter of the chamber.

I look forward to seeing you at Crescenta Valley Park, at the corner of Dunsmore and Honolulu avenues, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday. It’s a great fundraiser for the chamber and fun way to spend the day.

  hometown country fair, robin goldsworthy, Viewpoints